When the Kids Leave, What Do I Do Next?

A Prayer for Careers

Lord, the nest I lovingly made and tended is nowempty but for my spouse, the dog, and me. Or maybe only me. I devoted myself fully to raising my family, and I hope and pray I have done a good job.

But now I am faced with hours in the day to fill. Perhaps a friend or colleague is calling me, wanting me to come work with her. Will I be up to it? Does she really see who I am? What if Ifail? What about those blank spots on my résumé?”

Help me remember that I have always beenfully employed and have been a successful multitasker. That the care and feeding of children is similar to management, and even sometimes harder.

Help me realize that the ability to manage and complete projects and the ability to have people with very different ages, personalities, and agendas get along under one roof are skill sets that will serve me in virtually any business of any size in the world.

Help me, like Esther, realize that being a woman“without portfolio” need not keep me from being useful or, indeed, saving a nation.

Help me remember that I am not my kids, or my spouse, or even my past.

Help me be like the woman at the well, who came to the well feeling thirsty, and left with a bountiful future.

Amen and amen.