happiness is...

...an empty nest.  Or...

 "On a Wing and a Prayer"

Because life is full of drama, sadness, and negativity in general, we have to choose to look for joy. And we often can find it without looking too hard.  I'd like to share with you a little something that brought me great joy.

I have a gas lamplight in front of my house.  I'm not sure when the last time it was used.  It was rusting when I moved in.  Last year, a little bird made it's nest inside of it. Underneath the "lantern" part in the top of the column there is a "floor" about 6-7 inches from the top.  Well, the opening with the lantern part on, was too small for inexperienced birds to be able to navigate and I could not get the lantern part off. They all died I am presuming.  The faint smell from the post let me know that.  So, I was going to block up the hole so this wouldn't happen again.  However, I am a procrastinator.

This year, I heard the familiar sound of chirping birds again. My heart sank.  And this time I kept hearing a "whoosh/thump".  I looked in and momma bird was stuck too.  Oh no!  Dealing with things connected to gas makes me nervous but I persisted and was able to get the lantern part off without incident.  Momma bird seemed weary and still couldn't fly out even though the hole was much bigger.  I tried to use some tongs to gently get her out but the hole was too narrow for me to safely use them on her.

My little girl was intrigued and wanted to help.  So I told her to pray to Jesus.  And she did.  She is an amazing prayer warrior for a 5 year old.  She suggested sticking various things down there to help the momma bird grab on and get her out.  None of which would logically work.  But she brought me a long flower (those weeds that look like tiny daisies) and told me to use it.  Knowing it wouldn't hurt, I did.  I tried to put it up under the bird to give her a little lift.  And guess what happened after a few tries......  She flew out!!!!  I literally had tears in my eyes.  The bird was out and my child is the one whose idea helped her out.  What joy!

Then when I looked in there, I saw that there were about 3 baby birds.  They looked lifeless.  Oh no!  But at least momma was saved.  That's good enough, isn't it?  I was worried I had harmed them trying to get momma out.  But I got a craft stick and gently tried to get up underneath them to get them out.  No luck.  But I did see at least one breathing.....  maybe it would survive?  So I left it alone and rigged up a covering to keep the ensuing rain out so they wouldn't drown.  Later on, I saw momma and daddy flying freely in and out of nest.  Well, at least they can get to them. 

I checked on them a couple of days later and the babies had grown and seemed quite content.  Wow! But I thought...  they are going to need help getting out.  When will I know they are ready?

Well, a couple of days ago, I looked in again.... and the nest was empty and no baby skeletons on the bottom!!!!!  God had heard my little girl's prayer and taken care of these sweet little birds. I cannot tell you what joy this brings my heart.

I was somewhat ashamed that I had doubted the prayer of my 5 year old and that my faith was not strong enough to believe that God would hear and answer.  And I was somewhat ashamed that I was willing to accept that God was only going to answer just part of the prayer and not hold faith He would get the baby birds out, too. God protected the whole family of birds and allowed me to be part of the process.

I learned a bit from this experience.  One being that I need to trust that God can bring life even in a seemingly bleak situation. Another being that I need to be bold and have faith that God cares about all of our needs.  It also made me realize that He is allowing me to be part of the process of raising a young soul and I need to have faith He is going to protect her, too. 

May you find abundant joy today!