The Lesson of the Bird’s Nest

I was working on a book when God asked me to use a lesson that he taught me years ago to illustrate the value of building a secure home. It was the lesson of the “bird's nest.” At first, I thought; how is that going to help us with building a strong, holy family? Then I remembered the lesson that I had learned from the “bird's nest.”

During a rough time in my life, when everything was such a struggle—family, friends, work, school, and my health—I learned about the wisdom of the “bird's nest.” On my way to college one day, I was riding the bus, which gave me the freedom to enjoy the scenery, when I noticed high atop a tree, a “bird's nest”.

I had traveled that way every day and had never noticed the nest before. As the bus passed the trees, I kept my eyes focused on the tree-lines along the road, and every couple of trees I would notice more “bird's nests.” The fact that there were so many of them surprised me, but what really caught my attention was that they were so high in the trees. Another day, I got a special treat along that same stretch of road; when I noticed an eagle’s nest, sitting high atop a utility pole. It was huge. I thought; “Wow, now that's a nest!”

God whispered, “Have you ever noticed that the birds and eagles don’t build their nests low in the trees? They are always near the middle or near the top?”

Before he asked, I hadn’t noticed. But now it made me think. Hum, I wonder why? I rationalized it would only make sense to build them low to the ground instead of way up in the treetop. Then God interjected and explained, “It would make sense to you as a human, but as a bird or an eagle; it makes sense to build far away from other predators that could invade the nest. Building low to the ground would compromise the safety of the nest and the birds that dwell in them.”

I had never thought about it that way. But then I asked more questions about the nest, and God revealed some wonderful answers. During the lesson about the bird's nest, he taught me about building a safe nest, which represents a home. He explained that by his wisdom the birds have the ability to build nests, and it’s innate within them. They simply follow the wisdom of God. And that’s exactly what we should do when building our families and homes.

Birds and eagles do not use hammers, nails, or a blueprint; all they have and all they need are their beaks, twigs, leaves, God’s wisdom, and a stable tree. With these resources, they construct some of the most intricate structures in nature. It’s amazing when you think about it.

Another day, while I was riding the bus, I looked up; as I do regularly now, to see a “bird's nest” hanging from a tree. My first inclination was to become sad, but God showed me that, even though the nest was hanging from the tree; it was still in the tree. He taught me that a nest is a secure structure when built according to the specifications of God’s wisdom. The only thing that will demolish or interfere with that structure is a manmade or natural disaster. It is structured to withstand high winds, torrential rain, and even snow.

From the lesson of the "bird's nest," I've learned that without proper guidance from God, we will never have stable, secure homes and families. It takes God’s wisdom to help us see that a home worth living in is a home not built with human hands. The Word and wisdom of God must set its foundation. He has the blueprint for our lives, and only he can instruct us in how to build (establish) secure families and homes.

Can you imagine the wisdom and the time it takes for a bird to build a “bird's nest”? From the gathering of twigs and leaves to the intricate details that must go into laying every twig and leaf in exactly the right way. And for them to intertwine them for stability; so that the nest will be comfortable and sturdy enough not to be blown away. But if they didn't care, they could simply get a bunch of twigs, drop them wherever, and think nothing else about it until the storm comes and the winds blow. But at that point it will be too late, and they won’t survive the storm.

I have found out that Love (God) is in the details. He has made sure that those little birds would have a safe place to dwell. He didn’t stop with them; he’s done the same for every creature in nature; especially the ones he dearly loves—us.

Because Love (God) is in the details, we need to mind the details. Sometimes we create families and homes with all the wrong kinds of people for all the wrong motives. Then we find ourselves suffering in our own homes, when our homes should be our place of rest and a shelter from the storms of life.

Proverbs 4: 5-9 (NIV) reminds, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

Proverbs 14:1 (NIV) reads, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) speaks of the foolish man who built his house on an unstable foundation. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

We need to be sure that we are building secure houses, not destroying them. For my single brothers and sisters, this means choosing a suitable mate. Give thought to the right man/woman who God desires for you to establish (build) a secure nest (home) with. And respect your wives/husbands and raise your children in the knowledge and love of the Lord. In this way, you will strengthen your family and secure the family nest (home).

Just as God has provided the birds with a safe and enjoyable home, he wants us to have even more. Be mindful of how you are building your nest (home), so the storms of life won't destroy it.

Prayer:

Father, in the name of Jesus, I submit my heart, my mind, and my family to your will. Teach me to choose wisely when making the second most important decision in my life. Help me remain calm and not to rush into any relationship that is not approved by you. You know your plans for my life, and who fits ideally within those plans. Lead me in love, so that I won't be misled by lust. Establish my household in your righteousness. I yield myself over to your wisdom, to lead and guide me, and I will wait on you. Amen.