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Observing the Flow

July 28, 2022 1:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Four open-mouthed baby robins in nestI have to admit, I’m a bit distracted these days. It’s the birds.

Weeks ago, I spotted a robin’s nest high up in the tree just outside our living room window. I later observed the mother sitting dutifully, presumably incubating her newly laid eggs. At some point, I spotted the father, and continued to keep an eye on things out of curiosity. One evening there was an extra flurry of activity outside the window; I’m not sure what happened, but that was the last time any birds have been seen at that nest.

A bit worried and disappointed, I was pleased and surprised to spot yet another robin’s nest, this time just outside one of our Upper Hall windows at Parish of the Epiphany. It, too, had a mother presumably incubating, and a father making regular visits. This time, however, things progressed very differently, as I later spotted two heads and open mouths bobbing up for food! In the days following, I was able to observe the coordinated feeding routine of the two parents, and to watch the amazingly fast growth of these two young nestlings. Today as I write this, only one of the two hatchlings remains in the nest; I’m hopeful that the other has become a fledgling, and that this one simply has cold feet.

“The sparrow has found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young…”  Psalm 84:2a

I remain in awe of a bird’s ability to construct such a protective and well-built home, in a carefully chosen location shielded from sun, wind, rain and (hopefully) predators. I am equally impressed with the determination and fortitude of these two parents, the sole purpose of their existence dictating every action they take. I hope to take inspiration from this during the coming months as we continue to brainstorm, make decisions, and start building our own nests in advance of the arrival of the new season, of both new and familiar faces, and a full and rich year of programming.

The comparison of the two bird nests also serves as a comforting reminder to me: ultimately, we are not in control, of anything really, not at all. Two very similar occurrences, initially, can have such dramatic and opposing end results. Why is this comforting? I feel that it gives us permission to dream — to risk building the nest in the manner we think best, knowing upfront that the specific results (or any results, for that matter) cannot be guaranteed. At that point we will be tasked with taking a step back, trusting God, and observing the flow.


Jeremy

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