Lessons from a Family of Robins

ByDeborah Raney
14 Comments

IMG_7316IMG_6952FullSizeRender 2 We’ve had the uncommon privilege of watching a pair of robins build their home and start a family. I’m ashamed to say that I was annoyed to see the twigs and straw appear in the hanging pot I’d so carefully planted with caladiums and begonias on our front porch.

IMG_7062 IMG_7324But remembering a nest of mourning doves we’d watched in the same planter the first summer we lived here, I relented and let the nest stay.

 

What a delight it’s been this past few weeks to witness each step of the amazing process.

 

 

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Daddy Robin stands watch on the roof while Mama feeds their babies.

I’m reminded all over again of so many truths:

• If God cares for even these little birds who toil so hard to make their home, how much more does he care for His people who are called by His name?

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• The mommy and the daddy work together to build their home, protect the nest, and feed their flock. God sets the lonely in families. He never intended us to go it alone.

• The best things in life require a lot of patience, and they can get pretty messy while you wait. But oh, how worth the wait!FullSizeRender

 

 

 

What are some things in your life that may have been a little messy getting there, but have been oh, so worth the wait?”

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DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Forty books later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a four-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is on faculty for several national writers’ conferences and served on the executive board of the 2,500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for 18 years before retiring in 2022. She is a recent transplant to Missouri, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, e-biking, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard.

14 Comments

  1. Deborah, I love the way the Lord speaks to us through his creation! There is so much He wants to say and oh, the lessons He wants to give if only we will take the time.to listen. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Very interesting , educational , and fortunate to have the pleasure of having baby birds in your plant. Often at the old house I had this happen. I had several hanging plants on the over hand of the front porch and I would get red French and wrens often. Never Robins. They would build several nests on the deck rafters at the back of the house.

    1. I’m trying to learn to see the mess and the inconvenience as God’s way of showing me to slow down and enjoy everything that happens along the journey! Because truly, the journey to any goal is the best part!

  4. God gives us so many beautiful blessings to enjoy everyday. Thank you for sharing about the nest. I enjoy birds and especially hummingbirds. I am amazed at God’s creations.

  5. Me too, Melissa! Such amazing things God gave us to enjoy and marvel at. And to teach us lessons we need for the life He wants us to live!

  7. What amazing photography! Each picture is so beautiful. I can hardly believe the blue of the perfect eggs. Thanks so much for sharing and the inspirational uplift.

    1. I have to give my iPhone camera all the credit! It is truly the best camera I’ve ever owned and all I do is point and shoot! Thanks so much for the comment, Betty.

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