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This weekend, I had the privilege of attending 6 graduation open houses, with more to come next weekend.  This time of year you can’t help but think about your kids growing up and leaving the nest.  This post is dedicated to all the 2016 graduates and their parents.

“Mama Knows Best” #timetofly, #graduation, #new beginnings, #classof2016

Parent eagles share child-rearing responsibilities equally and work together on preparing the young for leaving the nest.  As the eaglets progressively get older, the parent eagles return to the nest fewer and fewer times, to drop off food but also to start to encourage independence. At about 3 months of age (1-2 months before the eaglets will leave the nest) the mother eagle makes a slight adjustment to the nest that is important to prepare her little ones for their journey from the nest.

There is a soft, down layer mixed with evergreen needles that cushion the little ones during their first weeks of life.  At three months of age Mama knows junior may be getting too comfortable so she makes a change.  She starts to sweep the soft cover out of the nest.  You may think this is cruel but like any mother, she has a method to her madness.  By removing this coating, it forces the little ones to stand more…..strengthening their legs and conditioning their talons.  This forced fitness is essential to prepare them for their upcoming first flights.

The parent eagles know what the first months of life hold for their offspring and will do what needs to be done to prepare them for life outside the nest. God is our Father and He also knows what is best for us.  He, like the eagle, knows what the future hold for his children and prepares them in ways that He understands.  Unfortunately, we may not always understand His ways and may question circumstances we encounter.  I am sure the eaglets complain a bit when their soft nest is altered but little do they know it is for their own good.  We need to trust that our Father loves us and knows what is best for us too.  When life doesn’t seem comfortable, remember it may be like Mama sweeping the nest and Mama always knows best!

Seed from the Feeder: Proverbs 3:5 & 6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”

Flap or Fly? : Trust God with all aspects in your life, even if something you are going through seems very uncomfortable.  Trust God to forgive your yesterdays, guide your todays and prepare your tomorrows!

FEATHERED FACT: If an eagle miscalculates and misses its target while fishing, there is no need to worry, its hollow feathers function like a life jacket and prevent the bird from sinking.