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