Spring has definitely begun to show its wonderful weather here in North-Central Iowa! Grass has turned green, trees are beginning to bud, the weather is getting warmer––signs all around us. One sign that I have seen literally everywhere . . . bird’s nests! They seem to be everywhere.
I have seen them in the obvious places: trees, bushes, under decks, tucked in safe corners of houses and garages, buildings, benches, playground equipment. I have seen them in really strange places: on top of a post, underneath a window sill, in a flower pot, I saw one the other day in the covered area to a church entrance. I just have seen so many of them.
You know, all of these signs are signs of new life! The earth is thawing and new life is again sustainable in the weather that spring and summer affords us. The nests are no different. It is the place where new life for birds begins and really starts a second time when the “momma bird” nudges the baby bird out of the nest. The place of security, warmth, protection and provision soon becomes a diving platform to the scary entrance into the “real world.”
The bird’s nest is a lot like life. We start off in some pretty safe environments––the womb, the home, pre-school, then elementary school. After that, it can be pretty scary. Constantly being nudged to go to a new place, learn a new way, or take an adventure that we didn’t see coming our way are all part of life . . . all part of God’s plan . . . and all a part of making you and I better for the journey.
Jesus told the disciple once in Matt. 10:9 & 10, 9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.”
Sounds to me like Jesus was nudging His disciples out of the safety of the nest.
Do you think that could be happening to you this spring? That Jesus is lining up some things for you which may require you to take the nudge and fly when you feel like you will hit the ground. I know in my own life that is the case. I balk at the nudge. More often than not, I am fearful when I feel that nudge. Of what, you may ask? Mostly the unknown; but there are other fears in this journey. Fear of failure, fear of being alone, fear of man, fear of disease, fear of lack, fear of pride, fear of not owning up to the things that God has for me to do and be. But I continually hear the words of the Apostle Paul echoing in my heart and soul…
Phil. 4:19, “19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
So. Let’s you and I take the nudge together! Let’s jump out of the nest that we find ourselves in right now!
Are you ready? So go ahead and jump – I dare you! 1, 2, 3 – JUMP!