Think four:eight {day 18}

Yesterday, I posted a picture of the new resident baby birds safely perched in our entry way. Based on the information I’ve gathered, these particular birds are Mourning Doves. I have been keeping a close vigilance on how the new family is getting along. From what I’ve read, Mourning Doves are cared for by both parents. The male usually cares for the nestlings (they’re still “babies” to me) during the day and the female takes the night shift. Hmm… sound familiar?

On several occasions, I have watched the parent leave the nest to gather food for the nestlings. If I am lucky, I can see four little beady eyes barely peeking over the straw as they await their parent’s return.  In about 12-14 days, the nestlings will leave the nest all by themselves. The parents will then continue to care for the fledglings until they are about 25 to 27 days old.

I am amazed at God’s incredible design and how His creation instinctively knows how to care for their young. Yet as I write about our new little residents, I am flooded with an array of emotions as I can’t help but identify with the journey this little momma bird is about to experience. For it was just two months ago, our “little one” gracefully left the nest.

{Wedding pictures taken by the amazing photogrpher, Daniel Kim.}

Taylor and Nate were married on May 28, 2010. It was a beautiful day… surrounded with family and friends and filled with an abundance of love and joy. Our new son-in-law, Nate, is a wonderful young man and we were so blessed to have some of his family here for the celebration. The perfect day had a perfect ending when the newlyweds were whisked away by helicopter, piloted by Taylor’s dad. The photographer and I were able to ride along which made the send-off even more special!

Mr. & Mrs. Hoffman have established their “nest” in Maryland. Nate is in the Navy working as a CTN (Cryptographic Technician – Networks) and Taylor is finishing her third year of law school as well clerking for a federal judge.

As I reflect on the past 23 years of Taylor’s life, I stand in awe of what an amazing young woman she has become. I delight in seeing the qualities I fall short in, radiate as strengths in her. Yet I am humbled and honored to see a part of who I am, lived out in her life as well.

I am filled with anticipation as her dad and I watch to see all the great things God has in store for Taylor and Nate. And just like our new feathered family will  soon experience, we have come to the place of seeing our beautiful daughter leave the nest and begin a family of her own.

I’m just so grateful we had her longer than 27 days!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

{If you are new to my blog, click here to read the story behind My Personal Challenge: think four:eight.}