Baby Birds

The last couple of weeks, our family became fascinated by a nest of baby robins right outside our window. Okay, so it was mostly me, but I know the others liked watching them too.

We watched as the mama bird built the nest so carefully. Soon she was spending a lot of time just sitting. Our angle of the nest didn't allow a good view inside, but we knew there had to be eggs in it. After a week or more, we would watch as she would leave the nest and bring back worms. Soon we could see tufts of two fuzzy little heads. A day or two later we were able to see their little beaks wide open awaiting their dinner. Each day the mom and dad would tag team it to keep up with the demands of the hungry babies. I couldn't believe how fast they grew! Then one day we noticed that only 1 big baby remained. We worried that the other one had fallen out, but we could not find it. The next morning I checked on the remaining baby. I carefully opened the blinds to find the baby perched on a branch. It seemed to be contemplating take off. But after a couple of minutes, it returned to the nest. After I finished my breakfast, I went to check on the baby again. This time the nest and branch were empty. It was sad, but also a wonderful story of life.

Today as I ironed my son's shirts, (something I don't do very often) I pondered that mama bird and the journey of her little family. Housework is generally not one of my greater talents. But as I do these little tasks, they bring a satisfaction to my heart. It is like carefully building and taking care of the nest to ensure the life of my family. I was fascinated as we watched the mom and dad bird both care for their little ones. How grateful I am to have a good husband to help me raise our children. I know someday soon they will be leaving the nest. And I hope I have fed them with enough love, laughter, and prayer to give them wings to soar!