The empty nest
I realised I should have cherished them more when they were still tucked safely under my wing.
My partner called me to the garden the other Sunday morning.
He was holding a baby dove that had fallen out of its nest, in his one hand while he was climbing a tree to return the little bird to the nest.
What was beautiful about what he did, was the tenderness with which he held the bird in his big and calloused hand.
It made me think of our Father in heaven.
He also holds us in His hands when we are lost or troubled and will always steer us in the right direction.
When my children were young, they often said they wished it was time for them to leave school and home.
And I silently wished the same.
Oh, to be able to sleep late and read when I want to!
Well, the time did eventually come and I was suddenly confronted with an empty “nest”.
I used to walk listlessly from room to room.
The television was not fun to watch any more, because there was nobody to fight with about the remote control!
The house became too quiet and I dreaded going home at night.
I became paranoid, because I did not know where my children were and what they were doing.
I realised I should have cherished them more when they were still tucked safely under my wing.
Now I can only pray for them and trust that God will always hold them in His loving hands.
