nesting reflections

   

Anita invited me to join her Sunday for a visit with our friends in Harrodsburg. Kim invited me stay a few days with her family they thought I might need a break from my house and porch. I quickly warmed to the idea and gratefully accepted both invitations. Anita had to leave early Monday morning to get back to Grayson. Kim, her mom and I have sat on her back porch and chatted, sharing life with a cup of coffee in hand. We have laughed, and almost cried.

I've spent a lot of time gazing at that tree in the field and wondering about the life stories it would tell if it could talk. Admiring its beauty. Watching it sway in a graceful dance when the wind blows. 

This morning, fueled by stories June has shared, I am thinking about mommas.

I am wondering about the robin who didn't lay eggs in her nest this year.

I am rooting for the mommas who built their nests in the bushes in front of Kim and David's house: one holds the hope of new life, 4 beautiful eggs lay in it.

If birds mourn, I am with the momma who laid five eggs 

but has only three or four babies

newly hatched

safely tucked away,

hidden well from predators,

with a momma who guards them 

who feeds them

doing all she knows to do to take care of them

this morning I am thinking bout how I am all of those mommas

I had an empty nest

I had hopes of eggs developing into babies

I've had some that didn't make it

I did all I knew to do to take care of the ones who did "hatch"

and now, 

now I am back to an empty nest

I haven't abandoned it,

and I am glad my babies learned to use their wings

I am thankful they are listening to God,

doing what He created them to do

but I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish their nests were closer to mine 

and I am thankful for friends who open their nests and welcome me in