The Nest That Life Built

"The Nest That Life Built”

A nest is a bed or receptacle prepared by an animal, and especially a bird, for its eggs and young. But sometimes, a nest becomes something more because it becomes a teacher.

A few months ago, I noticed bird droppings on my back patio floor, a space I rarely step onto. Curious, I looked up—and there it was. A nest where there had never been one before. A simple little cradle of twigs tucked into a ledge, almost as though it had appeared out of nowhere. Spring had barely begun, and yet life was already beginning.

From the first time I saw it, I knew I was witnessing something miraculous. I stayed away as much as possible, not wanting to disturb what was unfolding. But whenever I did peek out, I would see one or two small heads poking out of the nest. Birds of the same kind flew around constantly as though forming a living shield. The message was clear, and it was, "This is our home. Stay back.”

The pile of droppings on the patio floor grew steadily, and I could tell that only one bird remained in the nest, most likely the mother. Well-meaning friends suggested that I move the nest or have it removed. But everything in me rejected that. To move the nest was to destroy it. And that I could not allow.

Now, as we approach July, the miracle has continued. The eggs have hatched. There are baby birds in the nest, growing stronger, their feathers fuller, their tiny eyes brighter. They are not far from flying.

All of this, from nothing. A patch of empty space above a patio. And now life. A whole world has appeared. How can anyone say miracles do not exist?

This little nest has become sacred ground to me. It has taught me something that I already knew deep in my soul: that life wants to live. Nature creates, nurtures, and protects in ways that are both instinctual and awe-inspiring. And that we are part of this.

I have made up my mind that the nest can stay. Not only this Spring but next Spring too. For as long as I live here, the nest will be welcome.

And as I thought more about it, a larger truth became clear. The Earth itself is a nest. A giant, fragile, life-giving nest that holds everything we know and everything we are. It cradles the birds, the animals, the trees, the oceans—and us. And just like any nest, it needs protecting.

Yet, instead of protecting our nest, we are poisoning it. Political fights, religious division, greed, and ignorance are pulling it apart twig by twig. We've already caused the extinction of countless species. And if we continue, we may destroy not only the homes of other creatures but our own home as well.

We must stop. We must care. We must act.

We must speak not only to the leaders of our own country but to every leader around the world. We must demand that this beautiful blue nest be preserved for every living thing that calls it home. If the birds can protect their nest with their wings and their songs and their fierce love, then surely, we can find the heart to do the same.

The miracle of the nest on my patio is small, but its meaning is enormous. It reminds me that every life matters. From nothing, something beautiful can grow. And that if we listen, nature still has much to teach us.

“Nature Is Not a Place to Visit. It Is Home.” by Gary Snyder

"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." –Gary Snyder

An important quote to recall as we spend time renewing our spirit in nature. Leave no trace and remember that although the Creator made the wild for us, He also made it for the animals.

“Nature Is Not a Place to Visit: It Is Home.”-Gary Snyder