An Unexpected Blessing

  The outdoor thermometer read 70 degrees so I threw on my old clothes, grabbed my garden tools and gloves, and headed outside.  About 15 minutes into my work, it began to rain.  I hurriedly put everything, including myself, under cover.  I wasn't in a big hurry to go back inside so I sat on my porch swing to enjoy the cool breeze and gentle rain.

  We have robins who return to nest every year high up on our deck.  I was pleased to see they returned a few weeks ago and set up housekeeping.  Because I am outside every day they are accustomed to me.  I talk to Mrs. Robin and check on her throughout the day.  As I was swinging and deliberating how to readjust my morning schedule, I looked up at the nest and spotted Mama Robin.

She was nestled in and protecting her precious eggs from the rain.  I'm sure she saw me and thought to herself, "Don't worry.  I'm right where I should be and the babies are fine."

  As this conversation between me and mama bird was progressing, I could hear another robin singing a beautiful tune.  I knew Daddy Robin had to be close and I quickly found him perched on a branch nearby.  He, too, was sitting in the rain and keeping a watchful eye on his little family.

  Two birds, out of millions of birds on this planet, decided to make a home in my backyard.  They are doing what birds do.  They mate, make a nest, have babies, and eventually, push the little ones out and send them on their way.  It's a common occurrence, however, for me, on this rainy morning, I was in complete awe.

  My heart was filled with thanks and joy as I marveled at the glorious miracles of life.  I contemplated the way Mama Robin protects her eggs with a steadfast, God-given instinct.  She has a mission in life and with her faithful partner, a little luck, and a lot of hard work, they will succeed.  It is truly amazing.

  Here's what my robin friend taught me this morning.  Life brings unexpected problems, disappointments, and sorrow.  There will be storms, and sometimes, it's enough to know the wind right out of us.  But even in those difficult times, there can be an unexpected blessing, a promise of hope and reassurance.  I am reminded that God is ever-present.  He is there in the big moments that bring anxiety, fear, or jubilant celebration.  He is there in the small moments of rest and quiet solitude, just as I was sitting on the porch swing this morning.  At all times and in all things, thank Him for everything because you never know when an unexpected blessing will come.

  "For man, as for flowers and beast and bird, the supreme triumph is to be most vividly, most perfectly alive."  D.H. Lawrence