Off the Ledge

A bird must fly before it can sing

The majority of the time growth happens when we are pushed out of our comfort zone, like a baby bird pushed out of the nest by its mother.  If left to ourselves, many of us would sit idle and eventually lose all inspiration to push forward to face our fears, explore our options, and let our God-given talents be realized. Even though fear can paralyze, fear also can be a great motivator. Like when you give that first speech in front of a crowd and you are tenacious to be prepared because you know that not being prepared will be a much harder failure than at least giving it your best effort...even if you stumble when doing so.  When we put forth an effort, when we at least attempt to step out of our warm, comforting nest of familiarity, we move a little bit closer to who we really are and who we are meant to be.

In my own personal life, I have always suffered from a lack of confidence.  Even though I believe that I do have talents and gifts to share, my self-confidence has wavered to the extent that sometimes I have been unable to move forward.  Because I have been blessed to have great family and friends who insist on pushing me, I have accomplished many things that at one time I deemed pretty much impossible (I might add here that they pushed me through much resistance on my part, but after the fact I was totally idebted to them for their faith in me).  Even the tiniest accomplishments can become the foundation for greater achievements. Being able to conquer even a small goal opens a door of possibilities in one's heart that burns a single flame until the next capability is carried out.

Years ago, every spring we had a nest built under the eaves on our front porch.  At first I was annoyed that the mother bird chose my porch because it inevitably left a mess, but soon lost all frustration when it was replaced with fascination at the story unfolding before me.  I would patiently sit there by the window watching the metamorphosis of those little baby birds once they hatched from their eggs.  At first they were helpless. The mother would fly away to fetch food for her gaggle and return to a nest full of open mouths waiting for a small slimy worm to be dropped into their wide jaws. As the birds grew and their fattening bodies created a tight space within the nest, one eventually hopped out and danced around on the ledge, as if to say My days in this place are numbered because I want to be free and find my own way!  And sure enough when the time came, one by one each bird took flight off the ledge, never again to return.  I remember feeling something incredible as I watched each little bird, once helpless and completely dependent on the mother, take flight and truly find its wings.  It made an indelible impression on me and one that I have shared many times with others.

I've wondered about those birds over the years.  And I thought to myself I wish humans could be as confident in their pursuits as a little bird is when it flies away.  They seem to know instinctively when they take off that there is only one thing they're meant to do -- soar!  But God has given each person the ability to choose.  Unlike little baby birds, it is not programmed into us to do everything we are intended to do in the perfect place and in the perfect timing. We have the choice to allow fear to immobilize us or to be brave and fly.  All we can do is to valiantly push out of the nest, stretch our wings toward our destination and look ahead singing...along this journey we call life. 

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