The empty nest

Singing cheerfully, the robins swooped back and forth over the garden, gathering twigs and grass for several days. Intertwining every piece carefully and solidifying it with mud, they worked away at their nest until it was perfect. Knowing that her eggs would need to be warm, the female set off to find what she could to make a soft lining for her babies’ nest. She darted around all day with remnants of twine from a recently staked peony and shredded strips of cloth from an abandoned craft project by the garden shed. These treasures were suitably soft and she padded them against the rough twigs inside her nursery, pecking away until she was satisfied with her creation.

It wasn’t long before her eggs were laid, protected by the soft padding in the parents’ strong, woven home. The mother robin waited patiently, gently resting on her eggs to keep them warm. Soon her babies appeared. Attending to their every cry, both parents brought worms and tiny insects and dropped them beside their young, watching over them cautiously, searching the landscape for predators and changes in the environment which could harm their precious newborns. Larger birds and an occasional stray cat brought a screech from the parents and an airborne strike to protect their offspring.  

In a few days, the babies moved to the top of the nest and were ready to see the world around them, chirping away as they were fed delicious bugs. A short time later, the fledglings were grown and left the nest, cheered on by their parents, independent and full of excitement to begin experiencing their new world.

I often reflect on my own life as I watch nature and God’s creatures living in abundance in my garden. My husband and I have been blessed with three children and five grandchildren as we’ve found places and houses to raise our own family. We’ve cared for them and helped them grow to be independent fledglings too. I marvel at God’s provision for all that He’s created, especially His children. And even through hardships and sorrow, I know who loves and cares for me most.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”  –Matthew 6:26 

~Heavenly Father, I’m in awe of your love for me and the way you provide for my every need. Thank you for loving me, Lord. Show me how I can love more like you.~

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure…”

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure…” (lyrics and video)

Lynne Collier