I was nearing the end of a weekend-long conference that I had organized and led with the help of several others. Though I was undergoing chemotherapy and dealing with other health issues throughout the planning process, things seemed to be going well for all involved. Preparing for the weekend had apparently taken up most of my time recently, and it had helped to distract me from my physical issues. As the conference drew to a close, I began to worry about how I would spend my newfound time. I was worried that I would have nothing to contribute to life in general after the conference, so I thought a walk in the fresh air would help ease the loneliness I was beginning to feel.
And then, I saw it. It had fallen in the middle of the road in front of me. It was an empty bird's nest, perfectly formed and intact, that had fallen from a tree. I was fascinated and didn't want anything more to happen to it, so I picked it up. I stood there, observing this little wonder. Once guarding its vulnerable eggs, it was now empty and vulnerable. It had unconsciously left the safe environment of the tree. Lying there in the road, its purpose seemed to be over. I honestly empathized with the situation. What had happened? How had it ended up on the ground? But the real question for me was, why was I so fascinated by it?
The longer I had the nest, the more I realized it had wisdom to teach me. This nest mirrored my current state of life. How similar we are.
This little nest, in its seemingly dire circumstances, has taught me resilience and purpose. It survived an unwilling fall from the safety of a tree, landing in a vulnerable spot. But now, its strength lies in its resilience. Like the nest, I too am reaching old age, vulnerable to the effects of aging, and subject to unwilling doctor's appointments and medications. But the truth is, I too am resilient.
He is with me, protecting me when I am weak, showing me how to use my talents when I feel empty, and generously giving me the grace I need.
The nest no longer seemed useful, but God was using it to teach me. The meeting may be over, but my life is not. My life still has a purpose. God is with me, protecting me when I am weak, showing me how to use my talents when I feel empty, and generously giving me the grace I need to weather the loneliness that comes when I am out of my comfort zone. What a gift it would be if I were to surrender my later years to God.
Next time you're lost, go for a walk and look around you – you might find something out of place that helps you get out of the situation.
Image from llh on Pixabay.
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