On Friday afternoon when I came home from work, I interrupted a barn swallow who was in the process of creating a nest on the motion light above the garage door. The nest was in the beginning stages of construction as a there were only a few sprigs of grass or hay, and the bird in question flew away with a strand still in its beak.
When I went into the house, I reported the new development to Mike, who said, "Again? I just took one down from that spot. I suppose I better go take it down again."
"Ah, leave it," I said in return. "After she lays the eggs, and they hatch, it won't be long before they leave the nest, and then, you can take it down. Let's just give her a break."
By the next morning, the nest (picture) was complete, and I was amazed and how quickly the nest had been erected. Somehow, the bird had even acquired the necessary mud mixture to bind the concoction. Now, for the fun part - waiting for the chicks to hatch.
While I realize that instinct is driving the bird's impulse, I nevertheless was/am impressed by the bird's persistence. Mike had taken the nest down once. However, the bird had other ideas. It had determined that this was the best spot for the nest, so it started all over again.
I know a thing or two about stubbornness. I am confident enough in who I am to readily admit that if you look up my name in the dictionary, you will probably see "stubborn" as part of the definition. Likewise, this quality apparently attached itself to my DNA because both of our children have tenacity flowing through them as well. If I want something badly enough, if I am told "no" (when I know the answer is or could be yes), or if I think I am right (gol darn it), I will generally do not back down.
However, can I consider myself as persistent and determined as the bird? I just don't know. Just like the bird, I have started on projects, only to have them come to a definite dead end. Just like the bird, I have had my "wings clipped," so to speak, by unkind actions and words or goals and dreams that have not been realized.
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Just like the bird, I have been equipped with an "instinct," or voice, that spurs me to action and encourages me to continue even when the situation does not look promising. As God's creation, He has planted distinct hopes, dreams, and goals deep within me (specifically) that continue to spur me to action. They are "itches" from the Holy Spirit that need "scratching," so I continue to pursue them even though doing so doesn't make a lot of sense.
Soon, the heads of little hatchlings will be bobbing up and down in the nest; in one sense, the bird will receive several crowns of life for remaining steadfast in building the nest in spite of the trials it faced. I am confident that I, too, will be rewarded for remaining steadfast. I used to get worked up because God's timeline and mine did not match up, and I will admit that there are times when I get frustrated and impatient. Even so, I am reminded that He has promised the desires of my heart when I take delight in Him in all circumstances (Psalm 37:4), and He ALWAYS keeps His promises.
Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to The Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."
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