Ready to Fly

Written by Joseph J. Mazzella

Something new showed up on my dad’s front porch this morning – a nest. A robin decided that the top of a post just under the roof would be the perfect place to put her new home. Slowly, she started to build it stick by stick. My dad noticed what she was doing and moved her work back off the porch, hoping that she would take the hint and choose a nearby tree instead. The robin was determined, however, and kept returning to rebuild her nest again and again. Finally, my dad gave in and let her finish her work. When it was done, the robin laid her eggs and settled into her warm, dry, safe home.

A few weeks later, three tiny heads suddenly emerged over the corner of the nest. I had never seen baby birds so close up before. Each one looked like a tiny vulture dressed in a fluffy, wool sweater. I watched in wonder as the little heads tilted back and the tiny beaks stretched wide to receive the food that was dropped into them. I knew too that their mom would continue her work every day, lovingly feeding her babies until they were grown, beautiful, and ready to fly.

Watching those baby birds made me think, too, about how so many of us huddle in our own nests day after day waiting for the time when we will be ready to fly. So many of us look over the edge, terrified to make that first leap to live and to love. So many of us spend hours dreaming of soaring in the clouds while we sit cautiously on a pile of sticks.

We aren’t meant to hide in our nests, though. God created us to fly. God created us to soar into the sky on the wings of love and joy. God created us to go higher and higher with every good thought we think and kind act we do. We just have to make that first leap. Don’t let the birds have all the fun. You are ready. Live well, fly high, and help a few others out of their nests along the way. Keep your spirit in the heavens even while your feet are here on Earth.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13