Saturday, May 20, 2017

Dear God,

I watched as the tiny bird flew in and out of the birdhouse just outside my kitchen window.  At times the bird landed in the red wheelbarrow containing weeds and debris.  It would flit around until finding just the right building material.  Then it would fly back to the house and squeeze inside carrying the find in its mouth.  Back and forth the bird worked to make a home for its babies.

The birds do what they were created to do, to build nests for their young.  Nurturing and feeding the tiny birds they will eventually push them to the opening and nudge them into the air where they will learn to fly. 

As a parent I find that process a joyous but painful one.  You have created humans to prepare a home for our children, nurture them to adulthood, and then nudge them forward into their own future.  It seems we say hello and goodbye in rapid succession.

This is what you do for us, O Lord.  As spiritual people, you create a place for us.  You invite us in.  You care for us, urging us to learn, to grow, and to become the full people you have created us to be.  You send us out into the world to serve the world, to carry your message of love, mercy, and grace, and to do your will to be a people of peace and purpose.

Heavenly Father,
thank you
for making us.
Thank you
for instilling
in us
the desire
to become
the people
you want us
to become.
Thank you
for nurturing love
that makes it
all possible.

Love, Andrea