The Bird Nest

Many years ago, my mother and I were walking in the pasture. It was late fall, and the farmland lay fallow. At the edge of a bare cornfield, we saw this little bird nest in a cedar tree. It was nestled near the gnarly trunk. We climbed over the barbed wire fence to inspect the nest more closely. Mom gently lifted the nest and held it out to me in her mittened hands. “Here you go! A real bird’s nest for your Christmas tree.” We laughed together. I carried the nest carefully as we went back to her kitchen for some hot coffee and oatmeal cookies.

Several years later, when we no longer lived close enough to take walks together, a small package arrived in the mail. Mom sent a small bird made of a dried mushroom with a note, “Here’s a little friend to rest in the bird nest we found on our walk.”

The nest and bird have followed us through the years. The bird and the nest are kept in a glass bowl in the cupboard until Advent begins. When it is time to decorate for Christmas, they take the place of honor in the cedar branches. We remember that walk and the delivery of the package containing the little bird. We remember Mom’s laughter and good times together. We remember other family members and friends.

This Christmas season, may you cherish the present moments with your family and friends. May you remember good times and good people across the years. Have a blessed Christmas.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15