It’s all because a robin was sitting on our fence post, eyeing up the yard, as my husband, Mike, stared him down. This was the morning of Mike’s birthday, and he declared he knew what he wanted. The next thing I knew we were on our way to Home Depot to buy lumber.
Together we fastened some blocks of wood as barriers to potential nesting spots under our deck. Okay, so I mostly held the ladder and handed tools to Mike while he created barricades to prevent nest building.
You may think that was mean of us, but it was actually kind. We have two dogs who frequently go tearing out the door onto the deck, yelping loudly, and racing down the steps. Under our deck is not a peaceful place to raise a family! It is kind to us, too, as we have a swing under the deck and would prefer not to have it decorated with bird droppings.
I can think of many strange gifts I’ve received, times in my life when I didn’t get what I wanted and later was really grateful. Like a house we thought was the perfect one for us, but it wasn’t. Like a job I applied for and didn’t get. Like falling down and learning how to get up again. And so on and on…
Mike’s birthday wasn’t all work, by the way. We enjoyed some birthday cake and the satisfaction of knowing that the robin will find a much better place to make his home. What strange gift have you gotten lately?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)
“Let God do His will, and He will do what’s best for you.” – Charles Spurgeon
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