It’s happening again! A couple of weeks ago, while walking to our fenced in garden spot, I discovered a newly established bird nest nestled in the entrance arbor to our vegetable garden. It’s happening again is the first thought that came to my mind. For some reason, there is a history of birds and bunnies making their homes for their babies in our gardens. This would not be a big deal, except they build them in such a way that I can’t get to my spots without interrupting the mama and thus the babies. As soon as I get near it, the mama flies off. There in lies the surprise in the garden dilemma….
It first started out years ago when I asked my oldest son to please clean out the raised beds for summer planting. He came back minutes later telling me to walk out to the garden to see why he couldn’t clean them out. There was a mama bunny and her new babies all snug right in the middle of our raised bed. So much for early summer planting that year.
Next, was when I spotted a nest built right in my front porch stick wreath. This is where I like to sit and drink my morning coffee or visit with my family throughout the day or just gaze at neighbors walking by. Once the nest was spotted the whole area became off limits to my family so the mama and babies could have their space.
Countless bird nests have been spotted in the Ninja Warrior course that my husband built for our sons years ago. Each time, much to our younger sons’ dismay, the area became off limits until the babies spread their wings and flew out.
Which brings me to my newest surprise, a nest in the entrance arbor to our vegetable garden. As soon as I approach the gate, the mama flies off, which is definitely not good for the babies.
As I pondered the new nest and all the old nests I have gathered over the years deeper thoughts beyond birds came to my mind. The new nest is a symbol of birth and beginnings. I am always amazed at the way the mama bird instinctively knows how to find a home for her family and then build, nurture and nourish it. Eventually, the babies confidently fly out of the nest leaving a beautiful and somewhat sad reminder of the cycle of life.
As I approach the empty nest season of my life this is very timely for me. With my oldest son living states away and my younger two not too far from him this has been on my mind a lot lately. This is where the tears come flooding out as I reflect on all the buildings, nurturing, encouraging, nourishing and teaching in our home over the last 25 years. Proverbs 14:1 says that a wise woman builds her house, while a foolish one tears hers down. Similarly, Proverbs 24:3-4 highlights that a house is built with wisdom, established with understanding, and filled with precious things through knowledge. This speaks of something lasting and timeless.
With each new nest found on my property I’m reminded of new opportunities, new beginnings. The saying of when God closes a door, he opens a window has always deeply resonated with me. If we look, there are always new ways to kindle the nurturing spirit. Whether it be through people, pets, plants or new projects growing can continue on if we cultivate it in our lives.
Back to the bird nest dilemma at hand. I will do what I always do. I will figure out a way to get in my garden without disturbing the mama and babies. Afterall, I am a nurturer at heart. It is who I am. I will protect those babies even if my garden suffers. It is just a few vegetables afterall. Maybe using a ladder to get over the fence on the back side will do the trick. Maybe it will rain enough to water my garden. We will see.
What about you? What new and old nests in your life are you reflecting on today? What new windows of possibility are opening? It is fun to think about, isn’t it?
After typing this out on an early Sunday morning my family and I attended church. Ironically, at the end of the service the pastor announced that there was a ficus tree at the church in need of a new pot and home. Instantly, I knew that the plant was coming home with me. My sons confirmed this by looking at me and saying “ you should take the tree home mom”. Needless to say, they soon were carrying it out to the van. It was a sweet reminder of my need to nurture something and that God will always provide opportunities if I keep my heart and eyes open.
