Nest Building

17th March, 2010 - Posted by Nancy Winn -

The Rwandan Proverb:
Buhoro buhoro, inyoni yubaka icyari. (Slowly, slowly, the bird builds its nest.)

My daughter sent me an email today with this proverb. It made me stop and think.

What’s my nest? What’s your nest? The proverb certainly describes the progress of our Village in Eldoret, Kenya. At least by western standards. Three children’s homes are complete and now hives of busy family activity. Cottages for volunteer visitors are being completed. A home for infants has been started. The Open Arms Academy is in session. We are truly building a wonderful nest for the orphaned and vulnerable children of Kenya. A place where they will be loved and nurtured until they can take flight as men and women of faith and character in their community.

I think the metaphor should not be limited to just buildings. I know that I need to apply it to raising my children (now 21 and 23). I want them to be mature and I forget that growing in wisdom and faith is a slow process. I must be patient and have faith that their Father will look after them as they learn and change.

What about my heart? It is a “nest” in progress. I want it to be more loving, more patient, more compassionate, more gentle, and more generous. Basically more like Jesus.

As you watch the birds begin their springtime ritual of nest building think of our Village in Kenya and the different nests in your life. It is fun to watch the nests and see the young birds who call them home. It is great fun to see the Village grow and change. It is wonderful to experience the changes that Christ brings to our lives. Even if it seems slow.