You've Earned Your Independence Day

                                                                          

                                                          

Have you ever thought of your Empty Nest as your Declaration of Independence? When you do, you'll find it fitting and true! 

Our country's declaration was a unanimous decision by the 56 signers. We strive for unanimity in our homes as well. Our states and our children are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." All should have the freedom to "pursue Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." All best done without our judgement or unrequested feedback.

Our role in our children's lives caused us some hindrance, but our role must never hinder them. We grow to learn our pursuit of happiness must not be child dependent. We've earned our Independence Day. They have too.

The Declaration further states, "it is their right, it is their duty to provide new Guards for their future security." Whew... We are not their "guard" any more! They have a right to a "free and independent state." We do too. 😊

Empty Nest marks the day we receive freedom from what binds us and what limits our resources. Those kids - as much as we love them - do limit our resources. All by our choice, of course. Think of how rich we would be right now if we hadn't pulled out so many bucks for diapers, dolls, team uniforms, school supplies, birthday parties, afternoon snacks, circus tickets, and those pricey wedding expenditures. 

With even more consideration... I could be living ocean-front in Aruba right about now with a personal beach boy at my beck and call. But no...I wouldn't change a thing. I'll keep my city-slicker man and this house full of memories on dry ground. We all gladly gave over every dime and dollar of lunch money and would do so again and again.

To gain independence, there were battles. There were fights. There were victories. There were defeats. All brought us to this day... our Independence Day. 

Every stage of one's independence brings adventure and challenge: baby's first steps; first day of school; first spend the night out; first driver's license; first bank account; first living on own.

Each step brings more and more responsibility until you reach the all-significant step of Empty Nest. This is the one and only step that fittingly brings less and less responsibility. This is the key to its merit.

We may have care in our routine for grandchildren, aging parents, and curmudgeon spouses. Hopefully there is more time for self-care as well. 

Our children are indeed money-grabbers but also great returns on our investment.

That's what we get to enjoy in this stage of life... our independence revealing all returns on our investment.

That's worthy of setting off fireworks!

Now all the extra pennies and dimes can be spent on us! We can pick up that candy bar at the check-out line and not have to buy 3 more for everyone else. We can "super-size it" with fries or downsize it with a smaller home without little people consideration. It's a freeing feeling.

We can pass on the care of our children to their Creator. There can be "a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence" as our founding fathers entrusted our states as well. Doing so will give us greater peace and greater joy in our day of independence.

You've earned your Independence Day. Look up and watch those fireworks ablaze. 🎆

How are you celebrating your 4th? Please comment below.

Fireworks galore

Watch our kids soar

Light up the sky

Years flying by

Reaping reward

Loving outpoured