What Mother Birds Know

I am began thinking about ''mother birds'' this morning while I sat helping my 7 year old review her homework.  (Don't judge I was sick last night.)  I was open to helping her until I realized that she was not willing to try to review the work herself.  I became angry with her because I knew she wanted me to give her the answers instead of trying to figure out the answers. I know you never become angry with your children.  Right?

And so my thought process began.  How do ''mother birds'' know when to PUSH their young out of the nest?  A nest is symbolic of comfort, convenience and protection but how do they know when to give the little birdies that much needed nudge towards independence?  I'm sure my daughter thinks my nest is as soft and cushy as any momma birds tree top abode.   I've created my  theoretical nest by always being there to fix everything.  By not allowing her to fail.  The nest I've created by possibly protecting her too much.  By wanting to save her from every hurt I've ever known.  Although, I do believe much of her hesitance has to do with her mild mannered nature; I am  willing to admit that maybe I haven't demanded as much from her as I could have.

In my desire to protect her, I realize that I could have hindered her.  I don't want her so dependent on me that she fails to realize her own strength. I want her to be as proud of herself as I am of her.  I want her to learn to FLY.

I researched ''mother birds'' and found a few interesting facts.  With ''mother birds'' timing is everything.  There is a time for protecting "nestlings," birds that cannot fend for themselves.   These birds need to be fed, comforted and protected.  However, the time comes when "nestlings" move onto the stage of becoming "fledglings."  A "fledgling" is a bird that has matured and grown wing tips suitable for learning how to fly.   It is during this time that ''mother birds'' push their young out of the nest in order to encourage the use of the baby bird's wings.  The ''mother bird'' stays around while her young learn to use their wings effectively.  She is still there to provide help but she encourages the birdie to try to fly on it's own.

Today, I took a lesson from a bird of all things and gave a nudge to my baby girl.  I nudged her toward self reliance, independence, and most importantly I hope that I've pushed her toward help that extends beyond my reach.   Though she may think that I can fix it all, I know that my strength lies in my dependence on Christ.  And in pushing her somewhat away from me, I pray that I push her toward a greater understanding of Him.  We quoted " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)"  before she left for school.

For as much as I want to protect her, I know that I have to let her soar on her own.
I promise to stick around as she learns how to use her wings effectively.

What lessons have you learned lately?