My daughters and I have been observing an online live webcam of a nesting bald eagle in Victoria, BC named Solo. I have also researched the habits of these amazing birds. While watching the female this morning, I was struck with an awe of the dedication of that bird while she sat incubating the tender eggs. Her unhesitating vigilance, patience, tenderness...and I did not fail to sense the unlikely camaraderie we share as mothers. As of late, my two young hatchlings have required more of my diligent care and concern as they have both been unwell. I have, selfishly, declared my frustration and tiredness in the throes of fulfilling wants, needs and responsibilities. Does a mother's job EVER end?? Oh how ashamed I felt while watching the dedicated eagle sit for HOURS, DAYS, WEEKS!!! Never flinching! Sitting, watching for the enemy...
I was touched to also read the similarities that could be drawn between the eagles and my role as mother. For instance, the distance an eagle demands as its' nesting territory is one to two square miles! It brought to mind the ever present dilemma of homeschooling...sheltering...right or wrong? I have often thought of the innocence and tenderness of thought and spiritual maturity of my young girls. It is only natural to try and shelter them from the intentional AND unintentional dangers of this world.
It was interesting too, to read about the reluctant mother eagle when needing the mate to take over the brooding for respite. She has to be pushed out of the way for the other parent to take over! Oh, how I criticize when Daddy tries to discipline and fulfill his God given role as leader! Shame on me. The daddy eagle comes bearing conifer branches often, to shade his little eggs, and deodorize the nest. Such a good daddy! Us Mommies should really trust them more. After all, they love their young as much as we do!
I couldn't help but also note another significant parallel. Sometimes two birds lock talons, either in a courtship ritual, or in conflict and become so entangled they fall to the ground, talons locked. They are stunned and useless while trapped together, but usually recover and uncurl their talons and are free to soar to their responsibilities. Don't we get ourselves so entwined together in conflict that we become useless as parents in our selfish attempts to get our own way? How childish and unacceptable! We not only damage our children's innocence, but we hurt their feelings and threaten their security in our home. Should we not disengage our talons and focus on our job of training up our children in the way they should go, as is our Biblical mandate!
I could spend time talking about the similarities in the whole fledgling process the eaglets go through when leaving the nest and their first flight. The role the parents play in this process is quite amusing and so many applications could be drawn there too.
Thank you Lord for the lessons I was shown while watching this amazing creature and the regal example of dedication and character You bestowed on Your creation for us to see and learn from. Forgive me in my depraved nature, for my selfishness and for losing sight of my goals in the process of mothering which You have so graciously and lovingly bestowed upon me. Give me the joy in my heart that I desire, and help me grow in Your grace and become more patient and tender as I try to become what You want me to be.
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