Hope for better times ahead

Three guesses as to what this is? It’s not a kitty hairball. It’s not a photo of my hair in the morning. Okay. You guessed it. It’s an up-close photo of a bird’s nest found on the ground at a local park by a friend.

This little nest gives me hope for the future. If a tiny bird can have the innate intelligence and the patience of Job to find specific materials and build such a beautiful, sturdy nest that survives beyond several seasons, I can learn a few lessons from these crafty creatures.

1. I imagine it can take days for the bird to first find a safe spot, and then begin collecting materials with its tiny beak. Size and weight of said materials are paramount, as birds can’t carry anything heavy or awkwardly long. Lesson #1: Rely on Godly wisdom and guidance to know what to undertake. What are my priorities? I need to have patience and God will bless my efforts. And, I can’t bite off more than I can chew.
2. Having a design in mind, the bird then needs to carefully choose which materials to use, and ensure that the nest is soft and supportive inside, and have a strong and sturdy exterior to hold up to the elements. Lesson #2: I need to think things through, decide to collect only that which I need and although I need to be strong and brave on the outside, I can be vulnerable, warm and giving on the inside.
3. The bird tirelessly continues until the nest is complete and can withstand rain, snow, wind and other calamities. Lesson #3: I need to be steadfast in my efforts and not let outside forces discourage me.
4. Birds’ nests are beautiful and somewhat perfect for their purpose. When the birds’ family no longer needs the nest, it can be reused by another bird or animal, or appreciated by people who stumble across it. Lesson #4: Sometimes what I create or build will need to pass on to another. It’s a good thing to reuse and recycle. It’s encouraging to think that someone else might get joy or may benefit from all the hard work.

In my research, this website came in handy. I didn’t know that you can identify types of nests and their owners by three criteria: nest type (cup, platform or cavity), where it’s found (habitat) and substrate (what it is attached to).

It’s amazing what I’ve found included in bird’s nests. Sticks, twigs and leaves are a given. Depending upon the material available, I’ve also seen yarn, plastic, mud, twine and bird poo (it’s probably like our Gorilla glue!)

Where would you build a nest if you needed one? What items would you use to design and secure it? Who would you invite to spend time in your nest with you?