In the meantime…

In the meantime…the space between what was happening and that which is coming next. At times, it is easy to fill the space of the in between. This space allows for freedom to enjoy what we haven’t had time for: reading a book, watching a movie, coffee with a friend, or to catch up on what you hadn’t gotten done. However, sometimes the space between is filled with uncertainty, transition, or struggle. “In the meantime” becomes an experience all its own.
For me, I am living “in the meantime.” I was a mother, full-time, to our four children. This filled my days with schooling, shuttling, feeding, and tending to multiplying needs. Any mother can tell you this daily routine will eventually come to an end. One year ago, I experienced just that; my husband and I became empty-nesters. We had prepared for the transition and were ready for this new season. We laughed at how many weekends it took for us to actually be alone for two consecutive nights. Between our niece staying for a few weeks, the visits from out of town company, my husband’s travel schedule and drop-ins from our local kiddos, we went months before this manifested into an actuality. It was great! However, we began to understand the title “parents with college kids” was not going to be ours for long. The reality of “parents of young adults” was bearing down on us.  
This summer, I have been living “in the meantime” between parenting college kids and their transition to adult living. Every parent’s journey holds this change. Why do we hear so little about these growing up years? They are real and require a new set of skills. As parents, we are trying to stay out of the way while offering our most sound advice when asked. The struggle to find the right job or to consider graduate school has been slowly wrestled out. Waiting has been the key descriptor of the phase. Wondering what’s next for all involved.

As resolution has continued to unfold for each of my young ones, I have been experiencing not only their season of “in the meantime,” but one of my very own. So many of the titles I once held have fled. So many of the activities I have done for years have now concluded. I am living between who I once was and who I am becoming. “In the meantime,” I am gradually letting go of these final chapters with each child as they bloom into mature, young adults; walking steadily towards this new beginning before me. There is more unknown than known, but I realize there is an adventure waiting to be experienced.
The space of this “in the meantime” has not been free for catching up or enjoying things missed. This has been an experience all its own. Filled with uncertainty, transition, and struggle, we are emerging with a stronger, deeper love for those with whom we have journeyed. So, in the meantime, we continue on.