Lessons from a mother bird

Tonight we played on the front lawn as a family. Ty was being his usual great dad self with the kids, playing hard and making them laugh. I was enjoying the show and my heart was filled to the brim with love. Kelly would occasionally come and give me a kiss and then go off to play again...Max would sit on my lap and then get up to jump on Dad again. Everyone was happy and showing the best side of their personalities. It was one of those really great nights.

I didn't take this picture, it's off of the internet...I can't get close enough for a photo op

I was also enjoying another show. A mother bird and her babes have taken up residence in the eaves of our home. I think it's wonderful. It must have been dinner time. I guess I thought before that the mother bird would go out and get a worm or two, bring it back to her babes, they would eat and enjoy some time together. Not so. This mama was bookin' it! She would swiftly fly up to the nest and within 1-2 seconds she would drop off the goods and fly off again, only to come back seconds later with some more for the hungry babes. The chatter would get much louder among these baby birds when Mom came back to the nest with food. This went on for a really long time. Like, 45 minutes or more...and that's just what I was there to see, she was still going when we left on our walk. Back and forth, back and forth. I could relate to the need she felt to quickly get her job done and the urgency to meet her babes' needs. I thought, though, of how nice it might be for her to slow down a little, enjoy some leisurely flight time. But, alas, there were tummies to fill. I thought of how it is nice to be needed and to be THE mom - the only one with just the right hug, kiss, thing to say for a few little people.Then I thought about how it may be crazy and rushed and busy for this short time - she may be a little worn out at the end of the day - but way sooner than later those birds are going to leave the nest and she'll long to be rushing about, filling the bellies and meeting the needs of her beautiful babes. I thought of how much I need to treasure this time. (I do, after all, work with the youth *teenagers* at church. :) )

I thought mostly as I sat there watching both of these amazing shows that I am super blessed. I feel extremely grateful for a husband who is my absolute perfect match and 100% partner in parenthood. I love my two little people with a love that fills my whole chest and gets stuck in my throat because there aren't adequate words to express it. I love nature and a Heavenly Father who created so much beauty for us. I love that this mama bird deemed our home worthy to make a home for her family, where she coul bring her babes into the world and nurture them until they're ready to leave the nest. I hope for her sake that doesn't happen too soon.