My nest is empty during the day...feeling lost

lovinlife · Newbie Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 2

I hope someone has some experience in this. I have been a stay at home mom since the day I got married. My hubby is in the military and we move so much that getting or keeping a career never really entered my mind. We recently relocated (again) and I'm having a hard time adjusting this time. I just turned 40!
That being said, my children are now all in school and I'm feeling lost with no purpose. I've tried volunteering in the schools my kids go to, but have been told "no thanks"...several times. I've tried volunteering in my church and have been told "no thanks"...several times. I am trying to be productive where I am, but there seem to be road blocks everywhere I go. I tried to get a job (we don't need the money, I'm just bored!), but I refuse to be absent when my kiddos get home and the places I've been to insist on weekends or times later than I am willing to work. I wonder sometimes if God is trying to get my attention somehow, but can't figure out what it is.
This season in my life has me very confused and depressed as to my purpose. My husband calls from work every day and asks "what are you doing today?" I hate that question because I have nothing to do, I usually make something up so it sounds like something is going on.
Anyone been in my shoes? I sure would love some advice.

SAM · Veteran Joined: 03 Mar 2001 Posts: 1946 Location: Chicago

I've been through this season and it's hard to figure out.
I went back to college and took interior design courses and got my certificate. I helped friends and acquaintences with picking out paint colors, staging their home, or redesigning rooms with what they have, or picking out new pillows, and accessories, etc. And, I could do this during the day and be home in the afternoon.

I've recently decided I want to go back to school again for pastoral counseling.

Also, consider volunteering for your local Red Cross or a Women's Shelter or a Food Pantry. There are many local organizations that can use help during the day.

It can be an identity crisis, since you've always been mom. But God does have a way of redesigning us for his purposes. Sometimes when he wants to do that, change is hard. Ask him for his guidance and wisdom in your prayers, he's more than willing to provide it.

Jane_Doe · Newbie Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 23

Hi

Well, I don't have experiance with this, I'm just just 27. From your comment, I take you do still have kids at home right?

What things do you like to do?

Would there be a hobby or something that you could get into?

You never know, if you're a christian this could be a time in your life that you could "make your own ministry". Even if your church says "no thanks" make your own ministry. You could spend time visiting with elderly, sick, do things for them to help them out when their shut in. You could make a card ministry, where you send uplifting cards to those sick, and been out of church for a while. You could volunteer at some organization, I'm sure somewhere there is somebody or some organization that needs you. If there is a "Big Brothers , Big Sisters" organization, volunteer and help touch other kids that have no one. If there was a craft that you liked, quilting, knitting or any craft at that matter, if there was something you liked making, make them and turn it into a ministry and bless those that are sick or down. I know here where I live there is a Rape Crisis place that you can volunteer for. You go and takes some classes on how to "be there for them", and you stay on call or whatever so that when something happens you can go to the hospitals or where ever to meet them, just to be there to help them. That was something I wanted to do myself, but the place where the classes was taken was too far a drive, or I think I might have really have liked doing something like that.

Just a few ideas,

Good luck Very Happy

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