| All of us long for a loving mother. Many of you may | | | | However, no bird is ever as peaceful as the dove. |
| feel like abandoned children, having grown up with | | | | Although mockingbirds sing beautifully, if you |
| mothers who did not cater to your needs properly. | | | | inadvertently get too close to their nests, they will |
| Therefore, you may be continually searching for | | | | dive bomb you incessantly. I have seen mockingbirds, |
| nurturing from others. Some of you may even be | | | | and blue jays alike, attack many an animal that |
| mothers yourself, and are struggling with your duties | | | | strayed too close to their young, including dogs, cats, |
| as parents. Outside forces may easily distract you | | | | squirrels and other birds. |
| for caring for your children. However, when you look | | | | However, the mothering instinctive behavior of the |
| at the dove, you can gain insight into how to be a | | | | dove is more than just a force of nature. I believe |
| successful mother. | | | | the dove has true nurturing abilities. From my |
| I have always loved birds, especially doves. I have a | | | | observations, I understand why the dove is |
| large tree in my backyard and oftentimes, there will | | | | considered the symbol of peace. Although I have |
| be over a dozen doves sitting in that tree at one | | | | walked very close to the nest, the bird simply flies |
| time. Although they have been known to perch on | | | | away and does not attack. Furthermore, the bird |
| the window ledge and make nests in the bushes on | | | | returns despite any adversity. It simply waits |
| the east side of my house directly outside my | | | | patiently for things to change and calm down. |
| bedroom, I love to wake up in the morning to the | | | | Furthermore, the dove has the additional patience of |
| sound of their cooing. | | | | Job as it sits for hours and weeks, waiting for its egg |
| A few years ago, I noticed a mother dove had | | | | to hatch. I have noticed the dove sit without moving |
| planted herself on top of the far corner post of my | | | | during the cold, during severe wind, and during rain. |
| fence. As I went to investigate, I realized she had a | | | | Nothing seems to phase the bird from its mission of |
| nest on top of that post. She did not move for | | | | protecting its egg, not even the lack of food or |
| weeks. Finally, a little baby dove emerged and I | | | | shelter. |
| watched curiously as that little one learned to fly. It | | | | In today's society, everything is rush, rush, rush. |
| took several days before it could fly successfully. | | | | Many of us become frustrated and angry if things |
| The little bird took small steps to learn to fly, first | | | | we want to happen in our lives do not occur almost |
| mastering the bottom rung of my fence, then the | | | | instantaneously, as we are accustomed to things |
| top rung, and finally taking off across the yard; | | | | moving at this quick pace. If others get in your way, |
| without the constant care of the mother dove, this | | | | you may attack them until they leave you alone. You |
| tiny bird would not have been able to accomplish this | | | | may want change now. You may be unhappy with |
| feat. | | | | your relationships, job, financial situation, health, or life. |
| Within the last week, another dove has settled into a | | | | In Matthew 6 of the Bible, we learn that the spirit of |
| new nest in my yard. The bird, quite industrious, | | | | God takes care of every creature, no matter how |
| made a nest in an abandoned hanging flower basket. | | | | small. The dove is secure with this knowledge and |
| Located right outside my back door on the patio, the | | | | does not drift from its course of creating a new life. |
| basket hangs from a curved, inverted wrought iron | | | | It is the ultimate mother, both nurturing and peaceful. |
| hook attached to the east patio wall. Therefore, the | | | | It continues to wait unwearyingly for its egg to |
| hanging basket and makeshift bird's nest protrudes | | | | hatch. |
| approximately one foot from the wall and is situated | | | | Consider taking a lesson from the mother dove, bird |
| about five feet in the air, safely tucked away from | | | | of peace. Wait uncomplainingly for the new life you |
| other intruders, such as cats or squirrels. | | | | are birthing to come forth-the new life of spiritual |
| Since its discovery, I find myself quite drawn to | | | | ascension within you. No matter the cold attitudes of |
| watch and protect the bird. The mother bird rarely | | | | others, the winds of change, or the rain and storms |
| leaves the nest. It can sit for almost twenty-four | | | | of life, stay the course. Do not let others ruffle your |
| hours without moving. It is amazing. When my | | | | feathers. Simply fly away from trouble and return to |
| yardmen appeared the other day to cut the grass, I | | | | that place of peace when things have calmed down. |
| gave strict instructions not to disturb the nest. The | | | | Do not abandon your post and worry about other |
| bird did fly off during all the commotion. However, | | | | things. You will be taken care of by the spirit of God |
| within hours, she lovingly appeared again and took up | | | | just as occurs with the dove. In doing so, you will be |
| her position over the small egg. | | | | rewarded with a beautiful new life-a life that will allow |
| There are other birds in nature, such as mockingbirds | | | | you to soar high! |
| and blue jays, who have built nests in my yard. | | | | |