My Heavenly Mother sent me a gift this summer. (Yes, my Heavenly Mother.) I didn't recognize it as such until just this morning; flying day.
This summer our family has been very fortunate to have a momma bird build her nest right above our front door. It has been so fun and interesting to watch her efforts, see the three little baby birds hatch, and to see them growing and learning from their mother. Today is flying day, and even as I type this, I can hear the momma bird chirpping her encouragement to have her children follow her out of the nest for a flying lesson. So far, her efforts have been in vain. The kiddos aren't quite sure they are ready for such adventures. But, the mom is persistent. She continues to coax them and to encourage them to leave the nest and to try out their own wings. She seems so calm and sure on the outside. But I'm sure inside, she is nervous for her children's first time out of the nest and even a little sad at the thoughts of them leaving her.
As much fun as my kids have had watching the birds, I believe Heavenly Mother and Father sent this momma bird to me to teach me a valuable lesson about my own three little kids. I've been so worried about my son going to Kindergarten. It's been in the front of my mind for honestly a good year now. I keep thinking about all that "could happen", all that he might need me for, and I won't be right beside him to help him like I always have been. In my mind, nothing good could possibly come from kindergarten. (ha ha)
I now see that my son has to leave the protection of my wing and my nest to stretch out his own wings. Only then will he learn to fly. What a beautiful reminder my loving Heavenly parents sent me. They have also reminded me that I too, not so long ago, left their nest to test my own wings. And they have still been with me. What a comfort it is to know that they will be with my son, Their son, even when I can't be. And I can't think of a better wing to be under than heaven's.
