A Robin's View

This gal isn't too happy with me.

I've been poking around her nest trying to get a picture of her little babies. I've been invading her space.  She's got some special cargo and she'll do all she can to make sure no predators come after them. I think it's so amazing how God has put the instinct into this birdie mama to protect her little ones.


Her babies. So little and innocent. Awkward and unable to protect themselves. These little ones will be ready to leave their nests in a little less than 14 days.  They will only stay with their parents for a few weeks after that.

This little nature program that I have going on in my backyard has made me think...are we much different?

Indulge me for a moment here.  I've been reading "6 Ways to Keep the Little In Your Girl." It's been a great read, sobering at times, but still good.  I'm being reminded at how much our society wants to take the innocence away from our little babies. The sooner they start thinking about their bodies, their image, boys and sex the sooner they will spend money on products to help make their bodies look "better" and sexier. I've never heard the phrase "Modesty sells." Have you? The author writes, "Girls 8 to 12 now spend about $500 million a year on beauty products alone." Wowza...that's a lot. And with the way that social media is today, I don't foresee that slowing down.

Do I want to send my girls off to a convent? Yeah, kinda. But, I know that I can't (plus, we're not even Catholic). However, I do want to do what this mama robin did.  Squawking out to the world, "Leave my little ones alone!" They are innocent and awkward, unaware of the hungry predators lurking around. I want to do a kamikaze dive to fend off any unwelcome visitors coming near our nest.

 Thankfully, I have more than just a mere two weeks to raise up my girls.  Lord willing, I will have many more years to help my girls navigate this confusing and emotional world of womanhood.

So, now what?

I will let them be little. I will let them be awkward.  I will be involved. I will connect to my girls as often as I can. I will tell them they are beautiful inside and out. I will teach them that modesty doesn't have to be a bad word. I will help them think of their bodies in a healthy way. I will encourage them in their pursuit of godly friendships. I will let them know that God has a special relationship in mind for them and its worth any sacrifice.  I will help them dream. I will try to be a good example. I will be on my knees in prayer.

And, watch out, I will be like that mama robin when I need to be!