“Why is there a strange egg in our nest?!”
Courtney and I really enjoy the springtime. She loves gardening and working on our landscape, and our time outside has been refreshing and joyful.
We love it when the birds are singing in the morning and, for the past couple of years, we have had birds build their nest on our front door wreath.
It's always energizing to have new life chirping right outside of our door.
But this year was different.
The birds did come. And they did lay eggs. But as we inspected the nest (which we only do rarely out of eager anticipation), we noticed a strange colored egg sitting right next to the other eggs.
Out of curiosity, Courtney posted it on social media. We then did a little research ourselves and found that it was a cowbird egg. Cowbirds are “brood parasites” that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds… my birds.
(I say, “my birds” because I have become fond of our little winged friends. Courtney makes fun of me for pretending to be Dr. Doolittle as I whistle to them and watch them through our porch window.)
I did not like the idea of a sneaky bird messing up the good thing we had going on. Was this nature’s unsolicited foster care program? Why did that bird think she could have free daycare?
It was a little off-putting at first, but we found out that it's illegal to remove it (not that I would be one to disrupt a nest). Some even argue that the cowbird developed this technique to survive.
All I know is, my life can relate to that nest right now.
Recently, I felt like there has been a strange and uninvited disruption laid right in the middle of my comfortable and familiar life.
Then it hit me.
Cowbirds are looking for help. They are looking for a “stronghold” for their babies. And isn’t that what I’m doing too?
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. —Psalm 9:9–10
My question of “Why would that bird cheat that other mama like that” was really a deeper question of “Why is this happening in my life right now?”
When I ask that question, I know where to go. I know where to search. Like that cowbird, I am looking for a stronghold.
So even though I don’t like to admit it, I am like a cowbird. I am dependent on the care and protection of another... Jesus. I have only to sit under his loving care and allow Him to provide for my needs each day. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.
I love you, dear church family, and I eagerly await the day when I will see you face-to-face (or mask-to-mask), whatever that looks like. You are daily in my prayers and on my heart. May you trust in His strength for each day and bright hope for tomorrow.
Pastor Jack