image from Rest for the Weary
Admit it, eagle cams have hooked a lot of us. Redding and Big Bear in CA, over 50 in all. We eagerly watch the hatching, the fledging, the first flights. And I’ve picked up a lesson from them, one we might all use.
Months building the nest
months bringing sticks
months bringing moss and grass
months plucking down from their breasts
as the prospective eagle parents bond
forming a soft and comfortable home
for their young to grow in
for their young to leave
not pushed out
but strongly encouraged
by stirring up the nest
pulling out the moss and grass
pulling out the down
revealing sharp sticks
that prick
food not given parental mouth to baby mouth
but on a branch yards away
parental cruelty?
merely
making flight a necessity
to reach their destiny
What’s the issue? Inappropriate contentment. Being OK with just OK. The eagle parents soften the nest for their young, until it’s time for them to move out, to fly, to reach their destiny. To encourage them to leave the comfortable nest where they are fed, the eagles follow the design God uses with his people, “like an eagle that stirs up its nest” (Deuteronomy 32:11).
We work hard to find a comfortable state, but maybe God wants us to spread our wings. To fly. To bring him more honor. To serve him more strategically. Often, the good is the enemy of the best. Have you ever thought that not exploring options means you just might think you have the perfect life? One that cannot be improved?
Kick Starting the Application
Do you sense God stirring up your nest, to move beyond your comfort zone for something better? If you don’t, are you willing to let him do some stirring? What are your objections?