Julie Lavender

GUEST BLOGGER

My returning guest blogger is my friend Marilyn Nutter with an update about her feathered visitor! Please read her delightful post and enjoy the lesson she learned from Lucy! 

My Bird Nest…More Lessons…

Part 2.

by Marilyn Nutter

Last February I shared my treasures about learning from a bird nest built above my front door.

http://julielavender.blogspot.com/2019/02/guest-blogger-my-guest-today-was-online.html#more

Imagine my surprise when I looked up yesterday and spotted Lucy, the Mamma bird who built that work of art above my door last Spring. When I watched her fly away, I opened the door, and saw remnants of straw on my porch. Hours later, she cleaned up the mess. The nest is stable and waiting for eggs.

Like last time, Lucy gave me treasures to think about. I first wondered if birds return to the spot where they built a nest the year before.  In case you didn’t know the answer, Lucy’s spot at my house again was not a coincidence nor convenience. Birds do return. The are comfortable. They perceive safety. They know it is a trustworthy place. After all, a human didn’t disturb or destroy it. That’s where they laid their eggs, fed their babies, and released the babies at the right time.

Lucy gave me the illustration of safety. The name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run to it and are safe.  (Proverbs 18:1 NKJV) His name: all that God is; His attributes and character. He is a safe place to go.

Lucy also reminded me how we need to clean up our messes, not a house cleaning regimen or purging unnecessary things that clutter our environment, though those are important. But we make messes in relationships: harsh words, tension, ill-will, unkindness, unresolved conflict ________. I’ll let you fill in the blanks.

How do we clean up our messes? Lucy took responsibility. The porch is neat and clean. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “(Romans 12:18 NIV) We take responsibility too-the apology, self-control, patience-living in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23). 

Sometimes, relationships break down and we are in conflict. Scripture gives us guidelines to clean up our messes. (Matthew 18:15-17)

So I wait expectantly to see how many babies Lucy will have. Last year I watched as she fed them. Hopefully I can post how this treasure on my porch unfolds. Once again, I expect to hear babies chirping. On all days, my expectation comes from God. Psalm 62:5). He is my safe place, and ultimately cleans my personal mess.

What about you? Where is your safe place? How have you found taking responsibility for messes, when the responsibility is yours, has led to a treasure?

BIO:

Marilyn Nutter, of Greer, SC is a contributor to magazines, on-line sites, and compilations. She is a Bible teacher and speaker for women’s groups and grief support and serves on the women’s ministry team at her church. In her life’s seasons, she has met God’s faithfulness and clings to Lam. 3:22-23. Look for her blog at www.marilynnutter.com to find extraordinary treasures in ordinary and challenging days.