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.
I have no doubt you've been such a strong influence on him that he will be able to stand his ground when it comes to choosing the right. They are exposed to so many things I wish they weren't, but when they come home and ask me about something questionable they've learned (even from TEACHERS), I'm so glad they ask ME about it and trust that I will be honest and straight with them when it comes to answering them. And what an awesome opportunity to be able to further teach them AT THEIR REQUEST. School is scary, but really, it's not that bad and you're still there at the end of the day for him to come home to and when he goes to sleep at night and to send him off again the next day - that's the most important part of his learning experience because it directly influences how he'll absorb all the new "learning experiences" he'll come in contact with for the rest of his life. And how's he going to be able to choose if you don't give him the opportunity, right? ;) (I have to keep telling myself these things - it's funny how much of it soaks in for your own good when you're giving advice to someone else - lol)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful analogy! I love it. It is scary to give your children wings to fly, but when they do it and SOAR, there is no greater joy. And if they fall and make mistakes, which they will once in awhile, it is a blessing as parents to be there to help pick them up, dust them off, and help them know they can soar again.
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