I apologize for my total fascination with my new feathered friends as of late.  I prayed to have trees again with the nature that comes along with it and God has certainly blessed me with exactly that!  When we bought our home recently, there seemed to be a problem with the gas fireplace.  It’s not our top priority right now though since it isn’t going to be used for several months. There are so many things more important than it right now that need our attention.  That being said, we noticed some twigs from an old bird nest in the outside vent of the fireplace, but we didn’t bother to clean it out yet.  It would require a large ladder and seems more like a fall project as we prepare for winter again.

Now I am very excited we left it alone.  Just outside my office window, I have the privilege of watching a mother robin prepare her nest for her babies soon to come.  I feel like she and I are getting to know each other as she watches every move I make as I am watching her.  I think I’m going to name her Lucy, just because.  Lucy has been extremely busy this morning as she must know her brood is soon to arrive.  She’s making me tired just watching her.  You can see her determination to making sure it is just right and her persistence in getting the job done on time.

Sometimes I wish I were more like her.  Lucy’s a hard-worker who knows the importance of being prepared.  There is a true urgency about everything she does.  She is a woman on a mission.  She sees her purpose and she’s going for it.  Nothing is going to stop her from the task she has been called to do.  Wow, that’s what I want to be when I grow up, don’t you?

As we reflect on this, let me ask this simple question.  “Is your nest in order?”  None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.  We all have a job to do here and chances are most of us even know what that is or have some idea at least.  Have we been diligent like this little robin in doing our part to prepare for the days ahead?  What’s God laid on your heart this week?  Are you thinking you’ll just do it tomorrow?  It is kind of windy and rainy out there today if you live near me.  It would be more fun on a sunnier day.

If Lucy had that mentality, her babies may not survive when they are born. If we have that mentality, our loved ones may never see heaven. The one mission I can see clearly is to make sure my house is in order for the day when Jesus comes to take us all home.  I’m not talking about my house in a physical way like Lucy’s.  I’m thinking God won’t care if my house is clean or dirty.  He is more concerned about what I did to prepare my spiritual house for His return. I pray diligently for my loved ones; and even though I fail at times, I try to live my life as a good example to them.  I am burdened to have each one know God initimately and desire to serve Him while here on earth.  It is my heart’s desire to have all of my family and loved ones in heaven with me some day.

On a lighter note,  I had to giggle when I was reading about the behaviors of robins.  It said that even after they are out of the nest for some time, the children still follow their parents around hoping for a free worm here and there.  See!  We’re not really all that different from Lucy and her gang after all!  So, yes, it is true.  We really do have a lot in common with Lucy.  I hope you set your minds on your spiritual homes this week modeling some of Lucy’s dedication and tenacity while taking the time to pray for those you love.  If God has asked you to do something, don’t delay!  Getter dun!  Don’t let the enemy lead you to believe that your actions are insignificant.  What you do for the Kingdom of God matters–big or small.  Even when you feel as though you can’t make a difference…don’t give up!  The tasks God gives us each week are His exact plans for us.  If we follow in His way, blessings will abound, here and for eternity.  If not in this life, I sure hope to see YOU someday in heaven!  Have a blessed and productive week for Him!

Matthew 24:36-44 (NKJV) But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.