Birds Are Persistent

Every spring, birds try to build nests in the nooks and crannies of our log home. In particular, they like the front and back porches. We’d prefer they not built their nests there. Droppings and dive bombs and all that, not to mention the chirping once the eggs hatch.

And every spring, my husband persistently encourages the birds to move their nests. They start building, he relocates them. This back and forth continues until it’s time for the eggs to come, and the birds presumably find another location out of desperation.

The birds are persistent in building and rebuilding their nests. My husband is more persistent, though, in relocating them. He refuses to quit because he knows if he holds out just a little longer than the birds do, they won’t bother us for another year.

Don’t Give Up

This springtime battle between my husband and the birds reminds me of a biblical principle I need to stay mindful of year-round.

“So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (Galatians 6:9)

Discouragement often leads me to want to give up, and sometimes I do. But when I see others being persistent even in small ways, I am reminded that blessing is coming when I don’t give up in my pursuit of God’s will.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Not only must I not give up, I am to also to be:

  • Strong and steady
  • Enthusiastic

These are hard to maintain when discouragement hits. Yet, being in God’s will means that what I do has significance. It’s on that truth I need to focus, not on my mercurial feelings.

Find Joy

Mixed in with all this is the promise of personal satisfaction, not because I outdid anyone but because I pleased God. My joy comes when I know he is pleased.

“Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

Persistence. Strength. Steadiness. Enthusiasm. Joy.

Yes, birds building their nests remind me of what I am to pursue and be. They point me to the idea that persistence leads to blessing.

This all happens not because of me but because of the persistence of God in guiding me down the path of his will. He relocates me, if you will, from pursuit of my feelings to pursuit of him.