As I sit in what after twenty seven years has become a quiet house with my wife nearby. I contemplate the joy of seeing her occasionally looking up from her iPad where she is watching an art instruction video to muse with me over a thought. I am a man marching towards 50 years of age with an empty nest, a beautiful wife, a grandson right next door still close by and a brand new grand daughter. She is just six weeks old now and I can't wait to get the chance to take her for ice cream and do the whole Pop-pop routine with her where I get to spoil her in a good sense.
My fluffy little puppy named Rambo is by my side and I have a new office space I get to retire to in order to study and work with my wife's new art room next door to it. Never had anything like this before but I think I can get used to it.
Of course it has been a busy difficult journey to this place of an empty nest. I had to do a little construction work in my son in law and daughters new home. She needed a laundry and pantry space. It is quite a sight to see grandson laying on his stomach in the grass at the edge of their front yard kicking his feet and saying Pop pop.
I got to hang a little bell at knee height on the large maple in our front yard for the grandchildren to ring and play with when in the yard. I enjoy the things that make for memories. Of course kudos to my lovely wife Sheila for the idea in the first place.
I guess when the seasons of life enter major transition we can choose to allow it to rock our worlds or to drive us to God, to one another even more and to realize that God has wonderful plans for us that adjust right along with us. I know my wife and I plan to enjoy this new season and to grow old together gracefully should the Lord tarry His return.
The long and short, I am a blessed man, grateful to my Savior, thanking God for the grace that moves me into each new season of life and looking forward to what He has planned!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
