BUILDING A HOME

Last year I watched a pair of Northern Flickers prepare their nest in the hollow of a dead tree.  They took turns diligently removing the loose wood chippings from the hole which they had "drilled" into the tree.  This work was ongoing for several days.  In fact, throughout the day, each time I  returned to my viewing window I observed one of the pair working at the nest site.

I was amazed that the birds had to take time every now and then to fight off other birds which wanted to take over the nest site.  They were diligent and frightful as they defended their home. They knew the truth of what I had read on an informational website about Northern Flickers and their habitat: After the babies are hatched, predatory birds will attack in order to kill and devour the babies.

Of course, I see a spiritual lesson in this story.  Like this little bird, we must diligently clean our home of everything which would interfere with our family.  We must be alert for anyone who would bring harm to our children and "chase away" all who would try take over our home.  Like the Northern Flicker pair, if we don’t do it no one is going to do it for us!  The safety of their home depended on their aggressive care.

Isn't it neat that we can see such parallels in nature.  God has so designed His creation that everything points to our duty and relationship to Him and to our family.

I pray you are blessed today.

In Christ's love and live,

Roland Scroggins

©2005