I walked out on my front porch early one morning to admire my plants and flowers in full-spring bloom. I was startled by the flapping of wings and a noise from a bird. Looking up into a tree some 20 feet away I saw an agitated female robin looking at me, squawking and faking charges at me. She was upset because I was standing under her nest filled with eggs which she is hatching.

The robin had made her nest under an eve on top of a down spout. I live next to a large wooded area and all kinds of birds and animals appear in my yard year-round. It reminded me of how I live in their world. Their needs and lives are not held back by the presence of my house. I lingered just long enough to let her know it's my house and she is borrowing my space.

Birds building their nests is a comforting thing to see each year. Sitting on their eggs and watching them bring food to the young chicks when they hatch is a joy. We will watch this for a few days and then one day they are gone. The chicks fly the nest and make it on their own. An abandoned nest leaves the question, “Did they all live”? Perhaps next year the nest will be used again. But maybe not and another site will be chosen.

Late spring in the American Midwest can be a glorious period. We have had enough rain this year to make everything grow green and lush. It is a moment to enjoy. This year I seem to be enjoying it more. The world beyond my yard is chaotic right now. I have written about those events to you in previous columns. We know what is happening and I’m sure you are finding your retreats and “pull offs” to let you pause, rest and observe. My woods and the animals it shelters are the margin of life I go to each day to admire and observe. I go there to remind me that God’s world still works.

A Psalm says, “How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You. Selah (Psalm 84:1-4).

Find your retreat, a place where you can go and talk to God and seek Him. A place where you can observe His world continuing along its paths set in motion, consistent and sure in the cycle of life. There is benefit in this. It is the simple matters that help us deal with the complicated issues of life.

Watch this BT Daily I recorded about watching the birds titled, “For the Birds.” It might be what you need.