At the beginning of Summer, a post was added to the water near our beach house dock to serve as a foundation for an osprey nest. I enjoyed watching a pair of birds work to construct their new home and was often captivated by the sight of the male flying in from far away with a twig he carefully chose.
The last time I was there, something caught my attention. There were a couple of strips of fabric or plastic entwined within the nest and blowing in the wind. I couldn't help but wonder why the male osprey would choose such additions. The vast majority of the home has been constructed by sticks, twigs, and bark. Why did he select items I would consider to be trash? These pieces seemed to be out of place, an unsightly choice of a bird who didn’t know better.
I couldn't very well ask the creator, nor could I argue with his methods. I was left to assume there must have been a reason he felt the need to add these pieces to his carefully assembled home. The trash must serve a purpose.
Dear Sister, does this not represent life?
Like the sticks and twigs that comprise the majority of the nest, most of the things that comprise our lives make sense. They just seem to fit. But there are seasons in every life during which we look around and see trash. We are confused and even disheartened by these pieces that seem out of place. We find ourselves wanting to ask the Designer why He chose them. Doesn't He know they're ugly? Doesn't He understand that these pieces stand out like a sore thumb and throw everything else off?
If we had time together over pumpkin spice lattes, I'm sure I'd commiserate with you on the egregiousness of the trash allowed in your life. I would nod along as you pointed out the pieces that disturb the feng shui of your existence. The pain and suffering, the loss and betrayals, the heartaches and discord. I would wish I had the power to pluck them out of the spaces they've tarnished.
But, I also imagine our conversation taking a shift… If we decide to view life's circumstances on the foundation that we serve a good and loving Father, how might we view the "ugly" pieces differently? Are there any other possible viewpoints on the trash? When we shift our mindset to accept the assumption that our Creator knows what is best for our lives and has a unique purpose for each element he chooses, we can begin to see these pieces with appreciation instead of disdain, with curiosity instead of contempt.
Father God, You are good and loving all the time, even when life doesn’t feel good. There are things I wish I could change or remove. Give me the strength to accept that You alone know the purpose for my pain. Help me to build my faith that You alone understand how all things will work together for my good. In Jesus’s name, Amen
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