My porch is my place. It’s peaceful—a sanctuary and meeting Jesus spot. God’s glory and beauty surround me. The sky, trees, gentle breezes, squirrels chasing one another, and the chirping birds. It is most often where I de-stress. It’s perfect, but I enjoy adding a wreath and door mat to reflect the season and celebrated holiday.
A three-story home with a big porch requires a noticeable, often oversized wreath. I enjoy having it as a seasonal focal point. Before Easter, I found the perfect circle of white tulips with forest green leaves. My welcome mat with some matching greenery completed it: no bunnies or eggs, just a representation of pureness. Simple and sophisticated.
Shortly after Easter, I wanted to switch it but did not get it done. It definitely would have customarily been changed by now. Since we are into June, it surely needs to be trimmed in red, white, and blue. I’ve walked out to do just that and walked right back into the house numerous times.
Why?
Carefully hidden behind one side, I discovered a perfect bird’s nest. Then I eagerly watched to see what little imposter tagged its home on my wreath. It didn’t take long because as soon as I walked out the door, not one but often two small grayish birds flew from the nest onto the branch of the tree right across from my porch. Two sneaky little lovebirds made a home there.
They had made more than a home. Before long, I could see four little fuzzy heads slightly above the top of the nest. Each time I tried to walk out, the mama bird flew away. I was intrigued that often, both the mama and what I assume is the baby daddy bird were flying to and fro. I even started shutting my front door easier and attempted not to allow the door to slam shut in fear of disturbing this little family of feathers.
I could not move the wreath! I still haven’t.
What is it about baby animals?
They draw us in and mesmerize us.
Sometimes when I allow myself to unravel, I get a little OCD. I let stuff bother me. Thoughts creep in like I should have changed that by now. But middle age is both humbling and relieving in that we don’t always live by “shoulds.” While the younger years appear dictated by all about becoming, I embrace mid-life about un-becoming. I work to un-become who I thought I was or should be.
God speaks to me best through His glory in nature. I am reminded not to sweat that my 4th of July wreath is not out. And to see the beauty of the need for the birds to grow their little family. So when I start to fret over something so small, I reevaluate my thought pattern and reasoning. Even though the baby birds have flown off at some point that I missed, the two lovebirds are still using the space. They have the freedom to fly anywhere they choose. But for now, they are here at the back of a wreath that if moved, would destroy their chosen home.
White tulips in June or even July are acceptable. Not having out stars and stripes yet is not unamerican. And I don’t have to meet some “should have standard.” And that all is really perfectly okay. Like the birds, I choose this freedom over some self-inflicted expectations I might place on myself that create unnecessary stress.
I do not believe in luck, but I found where it is said to be good luck if a bird makes a nest close to your home.
Whatever the case, if I start seeing splotches of white goop on the porch, I have the option to reevaluate my why and make a change, if needed.
Hoping you find a place in my space! ♥
Reflection Question
Do you feel expectations ever drive what you do or do not do?
Do you sweat the small stuff? What can you do to reevaluate your purposes?