Several years ago, my family and I lived in a country subdivision.  Nestled in the woods south of town we enjoyed living among the wildlife and having a bird’s eye-view of the lifestyle of other creatures. While I despised the snakes we often found, I loved the various birds, raccoons, beady-eyed possums, various lizards and frogs and an occasional fox.  Canopied by ageless water oaks, our little house was a tri-level design and provided window access to lots of happenings in the animal kingdom.

One morning I looked out the living room window which was set at ground level and I saw a mama Cardinal building a nest in the dense shrubbery.  Without a concern, she looked at me through the window panes and continued to build her nest.   Daily I watched her progress as she built a nest for her soon coming family. One morning I awoke to the sight of little eggs in mama bird’s nest.  She faithfully sat on the nest keeping her eggs warm and preparing them for birth. Her mate for life would bring her food during the incubation phase. They would momentarily touch beaks and transfer the food needed for her nourishment as she guarded her eggs. He would protect the territory and deliver the food to his hungry mate. 

 I shared the miracle that was happening with my husband and my two young sons.  Together we anxiously awaited the chirping of new life.  Sure enough, one morning I looked out the window and there were four baby birds calling for mama and daddy to feed them.  Laughter and joy overwhelmed our family as we watched their family develop.  The babies got stronger, louder and more demanding of mama and daddy.  Every day was an adventure watching the Cardinal family grow.

One day I was home alone, and heavy rain began to fall from the sky.  Mama bird spread her wings and covered her chicks to protect them from the rain.  Neither she nor I realized she had built her nest under the eve of the house and this unusual downpour was causing torrents of rain to pour directly down into her nest.  Helplessly I watched as she weathered the spring rain, giving all she had to saving her brood.  She looked weary, cold, alone and helpless.  I watched as the situation got worse. I was without options as I couldn’t stop the rain, divert the downpour coming off the roof or move the nest.  I could only peer through the window, hope and pray that this little family would make it through this ordeal.

In the whole process, from the first twig of the nest to the birth and growth of the baby birds neither mama bird nor I could see the storm coming.  We were both unprepared for the reality of life and death. In my heart I was out in the rain, setting on the nest with her, hoping for a miracle that would save the Cardinal family.  In tears I watched mama bird almost drown herself as the nest filled to overflowing and the babies chirped their final goodbye.  She had given her best and almost her life to saving her little fledglings. 

I was reminded of the time Jesus looked out over the city of Jerusalem and spoke these words, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate.”  Matthew 23:37-38 (NLT)

While mama Cardinal almost lost her life to protect her chicks, Jesus did lose his life to protect and cover his children during life’s storms.  We often make the mistake of building our lives in an unsafe place, not realizing the brewing storm and the potential for disaster that awaits us.  But God’s great love expressed in the person of Jesus Christ is always present to cover us with protection and care.  There is never a storm in life that we suffer alone unless we are like the Pharisees and reject his help.  He wants to love, protect and care for his children in this uncertain world we live in.  With Jesus on our side, even the bad times are good.  His comfort is limitless, and his word says he will never leave us nor forsake us no matter how strong the winds and rain. He is faithful.