Wings

I know.  This is not a picture of a dog.  So, I guess this post can be called "Feathery Words" or something like that.  But, my dogs are mentioned in the story so that is how I will justify this post on "Pawsitive Words."

I took this picture just about a year ago.  We have since moved from this location.  But, I posted the following story on another blog.  Due to the timing, and the events of today, I thought I would re-post it here.  My daughter is getting married today.  In a few hours, I will give her away.  No matter how much you hear, read, or plan, nothing prepares a dad for this day.  It is bittersweet and hard to process.  Nevertheless, it is a part of life and it is necessary for our children to eventually leave the nest.  We just pray that we have done our part and trust their destiny to God.  This time, she is ready to fly. 

Here is the story:

Living out away from the city gives me an opportunity to experience a little more of nature than when we lived in town.  Of course, there were always animals, trees, weather, and everything we experience out here on the prairie within the city limits.  However, it just seems like I experience it more here.  Whether it is growing pumpkins, watching deer, feeding hummingbirds, running from snakes, gawking at a giant snapping turtle, surviving hail storms, seeing my first tornado, or being surrounded by flood waters, it seems like I have learned a lot of lessons out here.

Since today is Father's Day, I have been a little melancholy.  My oldest child moved out this week.  There are no problems or issues.  She just felt (against my better judgment) that it was time to go.  As she is of age, there was not a whole lot I could do to stop her.  So, last Wednesday I had to say goodbye.  Knowing that today is Father's Day - my first Father's Day without her with me - has made it somewhat difficult.  It is amazing what a daughter can do to a father.

Anyway, after returning home from church and dinner with my dad, I let the dogs out the back door.  I immediately noticed something on the ground.  It was a baby bird.  I could see it breathing so I knew it was alive.  However, it had very few feathers and I could tell it was way too early for it to be out of the nest.  I walked over to see it and the dogs took notice.  To their credit, all they did was sniff at it.   I was afraid they would try to devour it.  When the bird sensed their presence, it opened its mouth expecting food from its mother.

Because there was no tree around, I wondered where this bird came from.  There is a large bush right off our deck and so I begin to look around the bush.  Sure enough, there was a small nest tucked away in the branches of the bush.  Somehow, the little bird had left the nest and had fallen to the ground.  It was helpless and without some sort of intervention, it would surely die.

All at once, my fatherly instincts kicked in and I realized something.  Although the bird had left the nest too soon, there was still hope.  Yes, it was helpless.  There was nothing it could do for itself, other than chirp and beg for food.  However, I had the power to do something.  I could use a shovel to pick the bird up and place it back in the nest.  I wondered if that would be successful.  I wondered if the momma bird would return to care for her young one.  Yet, I knew if there was to be any chance of survival for this young bird, I had to try.  At that moment in time, I was its only hope.


And so, I gingerly took a shovel and scooped it up.  I found the nest and carefully parted the branches.  Without touching it or the bird, I carefully slid it back into the safety of the nest.  I placed the shovel on the ground and peered into the nest to ensure it was safely positioned.  And then, I quietly retreated into the house, hoping the momma bird would return to feed and take care of this young bird.

After a little time, I checked back.  As soon as I walked out the door, I saw a bird fly from the bush.  She had returned.  I carefully looked into the bush and peered into the nest.   Nestled comfortably within, the baby bird was there.   I don't know what the future holds for this bird.  But, for the moment, it is safe and the family was restored.

I know there is a time to leave the nest.  It is the way of life.  It must happen.  However, if it happens too soon, there are dangers out there in the world.  If our children are not prepared, they can find themselves alone and helpless.  I hope it was not too soon for my daughter.  I hope I adequately prepared her to make it on her own.  Because once we leave the nest, we have to make it on our own.  I have faith in her and I know she can (and will) go far.  I just wanted to have a closer part in that.

Like the momma bird that did not know how to help the baby that fell out of the nest, I do not know how I can be there for her when she is over 200 miles away.  Perhaps God has someone there to help her should she struggle.  Perhaps if it was too soon leave, there will be someone to help return her to the nest - the place she belongs until she is ready.

Or, perhaps she is ready and Dad just needs to accept that.  It is a great big world.  Maybe it is time to spread her wings and try them out - just as long as her flight brings her back by home once in awhile.