This Bittersweet Season

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." — Psalm 23:3, ESV

Restoration is a theme that has woven its way quietly, but determinedly, through the halls of our home. After years of laughter, tears, late-night conversations, and endless piles of laundry, my husband and I now find ourselves with just one child at home. The once-bustling bedrooms are quieter, echoing memories rather than the daily sounds of active children. We find ourselves, in many ways, standing in the ruins—not of something terrible, but simply of something once full, now made empty by life’s natural progression.

 

Revitalizing Our Home and Partnership

In the midst of this bittersweet season, we are tackling home projects with newfound purpose. Walls are getting fresh coats of paint. Old posters are coming down. Spaces once dedicated to childhood pursuits are being repurposed, reimagined, and given tender attention. We laugh together as we assemble furniture or pull up carpet, exchanging stories along with paint rollers. There’s a sense of reclaiming, not just the house, but also each other and our partnership, which—like the rooms themselves—is being refreshed and renewed.

The restoration is not just physical. With each project, God reminds me that He, too, is in the business of restoration. He allows us to walk through seasons—some bustling and some quiet—where we may feel a sense of loss but are given opportunities for renewal. Scripture is full of God’s promises to restore what was lost: “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Just as we make something new from what has become old or empty, God gently shifts, heals, and transforms us. He reclaims our hearts, renews our spirits, and gives us new purpose when seasons change.

Embracing the Sacred Transition to an Empty Nest

Yes, we miss the busy, noisy days. There are pangs of sadness as we watch our children step boldly into adulthood. But in this space—this new, quieter version of home—we are discovering joy, creativity, and renewed intimacy. God invites us to trust Him with our emotions and hopes. He promises to bring restoration not only to our physical spaces but to our very souls—reminding us that every season is sacred, and each transition is a new opportunity for growth and grace.

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Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the great Restorer. Help us to embrace every season, trusting You to renew what feels empty and to fill what aches with loss. Restore our hearts, our homes, and our relationships. Grant us joy as we discover new purposes and renewed hope in You. Amen.

Your Turn: How is God restoring you in this season? What areas of your life, home, or heart are being renewed? Take a moment to reflect and invite God into your restoration journey.