Momma Moments With GodNäide

Momma Bird

In the South, we name our beach cottages. Barb’s Folly was one of our favorites to rent. Its screened-in back porch overlooked a weather-worn dock jutting out over a lazy canal. The outdoor back stairway wrapped around a palm tree that reached for the sky, its fronds eye-level with the second-story porch.

Every morning, I snuggled in a rocking chair on the back porch with my coffee and Bible. The first morning, I noticed a turtledove sitting on a nest resting in the palm fronds. I watched her. She watched me.

Midmorning, Daddy Dove came to relieve her of her duties. He sat on the rail and squawked to announce his arrival. When she stood for them to exchange places, I noticed two tiny eggs peeking out from under the stubble. After a brief time, Momma Bird returned, and they changed places again.

For an entire week, this momma bird rested in the palm, protecting her two charges. When a violent storm pelted the tree with tropical rain, she didn’t budge. When children ran up and down the stairs inches from her nest, she didn’t move. When seagulls swooped into the water, she stayed the course, seemingly undeterred.

On the last morning of our vacation, I was enjoying a final cup of coffee on the back porch with Mrs. Turtledove. As usual, Daddy Dove came and perched on the railing. But this time, when Momma Bird flew over to join him, two downy hatchlings with eyes yet to open reached their yellow beaks heavenward.

I realized God had given me a precious gift—a front-row seat to observe the contentment of a mother who reveled in her calling. Regardless of the storms, strangers, or strutting of others, she stayed true to her purpose for that season of life.

While I was musing about how there is “a time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1), my six-foot-one teenage son stumbled drowsily out onto the porch. I’m not sure if he saw the tears in my eyes as I looked at his ruffled hair, sleepy eyes, and face that needed a shave.

“Look, buddy,” I said. “The eggs hatched today.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being a mom. I want to be the mom You created me to be. Keep me faithful to the task in this season, no matter what is going on around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.