Don’t let them build a nest!

“That the birds of worry and care fly over your head – this you cannot help. But that they build nests in your hair – THIS, you can prevent!” (Attributed as a Chinese Proverb)

We all have our rough times – really! The issue comes down to how we handle them. Those birds do fly over. Occasionally they let loose things that send us to go wash our hair and start the day (or trip) over – so go shower! Take a break, give yourself time to clean up, to cleanse your heart, and to make sure that you get to say what sits in your hair. Don’t let worries build nests. Anywhere. Don’t let them control you, or control the image you give the world.

We have to accept the things that worry us. I, and many others in our congregation, must accept cancer’s presence or its aftermath, chemotherapy’s presence or its aftermath, surgery or its aftermath. The thing is, we DO make it through. We do find ourselves lifted up on the prayers of our friends, family and faith-sharers. We have people journeying along with us, and they help us keep our focus up, and forward. We need this!!

I have had my Eeyore times with this – I lose my tail, and need someone else’s help to find it. That’s ok. We just have to let each other know when we help, and let each other care, and keep careful control of what we permit to build a nest in or on us.

“…As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15. This Lord, this God who knows tears, tiredness, pain, blisters, sunburn… and the tragedies of truly living – this is whom we serve, this is who may build nests within us – and indeed, has built nests for us – as He did for the swallows. “Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young.” Ps. 84:3. Not only this, but St. Paul promises “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a strong mind.” 2Tim 1:7.

I will step briefly into my backwards collar, and leave you with the Levitical Blessing:

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine upon you.

The Lord lift his countenance over you

And give you rest.

Amen.