Safe in the Shadows
Living out in the country. It has been such a joy to be back on the land that I grew up on, raising my boys with sweet husband out in the solitude where the wind blows hard and the mosquitoes bite harder. So many things make me reminiscent of my own childhood here. One thing I particularly enjoy sharing with the boys is watching the killdeer birds. I remember as a child, watching for nests settled into the driveway. One year when I was very young, there was a nest in the rocks. We didn’t want anyone to run over it, so we placed a plastic dump truck near it to mark the spot. Shortly after, a tornado came through and passed directly over our house. The dump truck never moved an inch, and we were so fascinated by that. I think God began speaking to me through killdeer birds even then.
Today, the boys love watching for nests on the long, winding driveway. Now as an adult, a mother, I see these birds with such different perspective than I did as a child. Every day, I drive down that long driveway in my giant suburbus. As I near the nest at the end of the drive, the momma bird stands, chest puffed out, warning call sounding. Even in my giant vehicle barreling ahead, it is enough to catch my attention, to cause me to carefully maneuver around the nest. Once again, trouble came and the eggs were kept safe.
It reminds me a lot of God. When we dwell under the shadow of His wings, no matter how large or looming the danger seems that is barreling towards us, He is careful to protect us and keep us safe from harm. At times, it may seem dark in the shadows, but there is nothing He won’t do to stare down the enemy, stretch out His wings of protection, and give the warning call that we belong to Him.
Today, no matter what you are facing, know that protection lies under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty. In Him, we can rest because we are safe– but only when we stay right under His wings. Stay close to the Father today. Trust in His heart of protection for your life. Do not fear the trouble barreling ahead. You are His, and you are safe.
