Baby Bird Lessons Day Two

The next day, in the early morning hours.  I carry my writing tools out to the back deck, and prepare to sit for my Morning Prayer and contemplation. This is my last day at Sara’s ranch,the last day of my writing retreat.  I sit in the lawn chair facing east, watching the sun begin to rise.  I’m dive bombed by mother swallow.  Looking up at the rafters, I see one small chick, pressed against the outside of her nest.  I can’t tell if this is one from yesterday, or a latecomer fledgling.  Either could be me!  This mother has the patience and faith of Job.  Both mother and chick are models for me. They reflect two parts of my multifaceted self.  This morning I sit with another example of how nature serves as our teacher, and as a mirror for our path and our growth.  I am patient and faith-filled mother swallow.  I am reluctant chick. 

Lessons From Nature

I'm on a writing retreat at my sister Sara's beautiful, remote Texas Ranch (it's a real ranch b.t.w.).  I have set an intention to receive and write inspirations for the Moon Cycles.

Every Year when the time comes to write about the 12^th (December) moon cycle, the cycle of ‘Thank Truth’ and Jamie Sams’ clan mother image-Gives Praise, a different facet of gratitude and appreciation is shown to me.  Last year, I was aware of immense gratitude for my inner gifts and talents, and my writing asked for the courage to live these more fully in my life.  This year, I am sitting at a picnic table, the heat of the hot Texas wind sharp contrast to the winter images that come with this December moon writing. 

As I write, two tiny swallows are perched on the rafters of the lean-to porch.  Mother swallow approaches again and again, chirping and wildly flapping her wings.  It’s been several hours now, and they are still perched on their I-beam ledge.  Mother bird still flapping her wings and chirping.  I wonder if I would have that kind of patience and stamina.  I wonder how those little ones feel.  Are they scared?  Is it fly or die time?  Over this past week on the ranch, I have witnessed the after effects of five or six failed launch attempts.  It’s hard not to feel sad, even understanding this is all part of the circle of life. 

I have been like those little chicks.  So afraid to take my leap of faith, not trusting that I have what I need to launch myself, I let chances go by and opportunities die.  I’ve had some failed launches, too.  I’ve gone to great lengths to insure my safety with inch by inch movements, exhausting myself and the patience of others. I’ve thrown money and resources at an idea in hopes that this would make up for my lack of preparedness, knowledge or faith, exhausting both resources and myself.  I have enough faith now, and enough awareness and skill, to take my leap.  Where am I leaping to?  I’m leaping into my own being.  I’m really leaping into myself.  I am also leaping into Creation, of which I am already apart.