Baby Bluebirds

One summer, while living in Joplin, Missouri, we had a bluebird nest in our backyard. We enjoyed watching the parents as they built the nest and flew in and out of the bird house to feed the babies. The most exciting part of our observations came when the grown baby birds exited the nest. Each baby sat in the opening of the bird house for a few minutes and then flew across the yard. The youngster would rest for several minutes where he had landed, on the roof, a bush, or tree limb, and then fly a short distance to another spot.

During this time, both parents stayed close by on the roof top or telephone line encouraging the babies as they learned to fly. It took several hours for the babies to be proficient at flying. We were blessed to witness the first flight of the baby bluebirds.

It is important that we encourage others as they learn to “spread their wings” in new areas of their lives. They may be starting a new job, trying out for the church choir, dealing with a difficult two-year-old, or enduring a diet to lose weight.

Encouragers have been the impetus to keep me going on some of my “flights.”

“And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)