Daily Truth: “As an eagle stirs up its nest,
Hovers over its young,
Spreading out its wings, taking them up,
Carrying them on its wings…” Deuteronomy 32:11
We try to keep our children safe in our “nest”. We bandage skinned knees, give kisses to minor bumps, and provide “boo boo bunnies” to minor bruises but we must do more. We must build trust with our children so children can then in turn trust others and God. Trust is an important part of building independence and thus dependence on God.
God teaches us (parents) in His Word so many times through nature. By understanding nature it helps us to see the word pictures God shares with us through His Word.
Let’s take a look at the parenting qualities of the eagle so we can better understand Deuteronomy 32:11. Did you know that 98% of the time one parent of an eagle pair remains on the nest with the eggs? The parent with the eggs not only provides warmth but protection. Newly hatched eaglets are soft with grayish-white down. Their wobbly legs are too weak to support their bodies and their eyes are partially opened. The only protection they have is what their parents provide. The parents take turns feeding and caring for their eaglets.
The adult eagles shred pieces of meat from their prey and share with their eaglets. The female eagle gently coaxes the eaglets to take the meat from her beak while eating the leftovers herself. We too give the best to our families. How many times have you eaten the heel of a loaf of bread?
At three to four weeks the eaglets are covered with a secondary coat of down. In approximately two more weeks black, juvenile feathers begin to grow. As the secondary feathers replace the down the eaglets are ready to test their wings. An eaglet takes its first flight some ten to thirteen weeks after hatching. The parents encourage the eaglet to fly by gradually limiting the dependence upon them. The parents stay close in assisting, teaching, and encouraging their eaglets.
Our job as parents is to build trust so they can trust us and the heavenly Father whom they cannot literally see. God led me to think about this concept of trust as I was preparing for an elementary chapel time several years ago. The acronym was as follows:
T-Time, you have to spend time with God in order to know God. Reading God’s Word and talking to Him in prayer helps you to know Him.
R-Rust, is what happens when we do not spend time with God. (I showed a rusted car muffler to the children.) We become ineffective to do the job God has for us when we do not spend time with God.
U-“U” can trust God. There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible. People may let you down, but God is Holy and always keeps His promises.
S-Savior, God gave His Son so we might have everlasting life with Him. God provides for us in every way.
T-Trust, is developed over time, by not allowing rust (not taking care of the relationship between you and God), “U” can count on God, the Savior (Jesus Christ) was God’s only begotten Son that died for you and me.
God’s Word is what will last after children have left our “nest”.
We need to build our nest well. Time goes quickly. We need to cherish the moments. Impart God’s Word and God’s love. Our help comes from the Lord. He has given many examples and words of instruction for us through His Word.
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10
Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,
Cathy Jo Johnson