This past spring our fruit trees were given a very brazen trim to better shape the branches to allow the fruit to flourish in better conditions. During spring the birds returned home to nest, lay eggs and continue the circle of life that we witness each year as the cold is forgotten and the sun's rays shine warmer. I am not sure if it was due to the drastic trimming that took place in their warmer climate abode or if we had some newcomers this year, but the birds, in desiring their privacy, proved to be much more aggressive in their quest to protect their offspring. As the rains were carried off and the children skipped outside to change into their monkey suits this dilemma was quickly brought to our attention. Not only did the lofty 30+ year old apple trees house nests of happy fowl homemakers, but it contained the outside "tea party spot"... the "pirate's lair"... the affectionately labeled "treefort." Time upon time again the children would run inside because the "mad, evil birds" were dive bombing them, raining down on their fun parade. Many times I would go out there to just be there to allow them to play and be the knight, or brave maiden, to provide protection and assurance that indeed the birds were not mad and evil, but just instinctive in wanting to protect their young. The mad and evil birds wanted to provide their feathered flock a safe place where they could survive, grow, learn, and when time, to flee the nest.
As I ponder on this past experience I can't help wonder how scary this may be to a child. Reason tells a child that a bird won't hurt you, but the screeching and in-the-face danger seems very understandable to question that reasoning. Instinct and survival is exhibited in their reaction, just as the bird is doing the same. The child runs to the Comforter's arms. The bird returns to the safety of it's nest.
Although I never enjoy seeing my children suffering in any of the many ways life brings about, I am grateful for the role I have to be a mother and to comfort. Being a mother is much more that feeding, dressing, cleaning, and keeping things going each day. It's about sacrificing so many things to allow these young ones to survive not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. I am reminded of my own mother, the one that I always returned to and still return to for comfort. I reflect upon all the many things she sacrificed daily to comfort and help me grow, learn, and when time, confidently flee the nest to begin the cycle anew in my own way. As I think of my mother I think of another that she modeled her life after. Another comforter... another that sacrificed all... the Comforter who gave all so when our faith is faltering and the screeching in-the-face danger shakes us to the core we can run to His arms.
"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you..."
Isaiah 66:13
It is my prayer that you may know where to reach out and be comforted when you are in need of comfort. I know that Jesus can send us that spirit of comfort when we need it. I have felt it many times encircle me when I need it.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27
Much Love,
Candace
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