I was trying to journal one morning, prior to going on vacation, but my attention span proved to be limited because of a robin rebuilding her nest in our drain pipe. Hers had fallen a few nights previously in a storm. It hurts when I see that happen, knowing all the effort that goes into making one. We thought about getting the ladder out to try to reset it, but it was full of mites and no longer useful.

Watching her work, I knew there was probably a lesson to be gained about resilience and perseverance. I was reminded of the Bible scripture from James 1:4, Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Oh, I want to be mature and complete, don’t you? So yes, bring on the development of my perseverance in whatever way is required. I will (try to) receive it as a gift.

This robin will probably build countless nests during her life. Does she complain? Protest? Resign? No, she’s a robin. Maintaining a nest and raising babies is what she does. Without questioning her calling every time things get tough, she just keeps developing her perseverance muscle.

She probably gets better at nest-building every time she makes one. I bet she remembers what material packs well, stays dry longer, and resist bugs and decay. Of course she remembers that a safe location is critical. Our drain pipe is far above our outdoor cats and has good height for her babies’ first flight.

I wasn’t feeling the full spiritual download at that point, however, and then I heard, Never give up. When we’re knocked down, we have to get up again and again. Just getting back up is the victory. The rest sorts itself out. 

And then the flow of wisdom stopped again. I knew there must be more to write about, but I journaled about other things while continuing to be distracted, watching the robin go back-and-forth.

For the past several weeks, I had been delighted by the sounds of baby birds in the trees. They seemed to sing their loud, impatient chorus in unison about every five minutes for ten to fifteen minute intervals and then they would fall silent again. I’m guessing they sing each time their mama returns with more food? 

It was a joy to go outside on the deck to listen to those baby birds and imagine them crowded in that nest, knowing their Independence Day was coming soon, and they will experience the world in a whole new way. 

And in that thought, the rest of the blog theme materialized for me. We only need to look to nature for the encouragement that will inspire and motivate us each day. 

Nature is filled with wonder and hope. Do you take the time to see it? We are of the earth, and we naturally resonate with creation and life. There is a vibrancy outside that is electrifying when we tap into its current.

Nature is where I can always replenish my enthusiasm for life and see countless demonstrations of resilience. If an ant can carry something ten to one hundred times its size, if a robin can rebuild her nest over and over, as many times as it takes to maintain shelter and carry out her calling, if a magnolia tree can make the most brilliant blooms year after year, despite storms, high winds, and other threats, then we can also do everything we need to thrive, no matter how impossible the journey may seem.

When my time outside was ending that day, the robin came back with another mouthful of dried grassy material. As she packed it all in, it made a scratching sound on the drain pipe. (See her video in our FB group.) Elevated a safe distance away, she ignored me and kept busy flying away then returning with more debris to put in place, over and over. She didn’t appear to be overwhelmed by the task, just kept doing the next right thing. 

Now today, after being gone a week, I'm delighted to see that the robin finished her nest and is resting in her new home. By the way her tail is pointed upward, she appears to be sitting on a new batch of eggs, enjoying the fruits of her labor. (This photo of her in the nest and the video of her flying back and forth is posted here.) My heart is warmed to have seen this whole cycle unfold. All I had to do was show up and look.

Today, tune into a powerful, overcomer story right outside your window and be encouraged for your own journey. Maybe it’s a bird or a squirrel that’s ready to give you hope today? It’s yours for the taking and I’d love to know what inspiration you find. Please share it with all of us in our FTG group.
 

Does today's meditation resonate with you? Please share your voice in our FTG Readers Group on Facebook. Your hopes, thoughts and dreams matter to me.

-——————————————

Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share with a friend.

Announcements and painting of the week are below!

Until next time...

To your gifts!

Angela

Abstract Painting of the Week
If you'd like to see more of my art, please visit my website. Reply to this email if there is something you're interested in. I also offer commissions and shipping is available.

Soar 24 x 30  acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. SOLD! But I can make one custom for you.

Want My Art Updates?

I maintain a separate mailing list for art news, shows, current works in progress, and stories about my process. Sign up to receive my art updates.

Retreats!

Apply now for my September women's artist retreat! Paint, Paddle & Play is for visual artists of any skill level, from beginner to professional. Click the link for the full scoop. We are filling up so don't delay! 
A Q&A Meet and Greet via Zoom is scheduled for this evening, Tuesday, June 27th 6:30 PM CST. Reply to this email to receive the zoom invite.

If you want to stay informed about this incredible oceanfront home retreat, or future retreats with me, be sure to SIGN UP for retreat updates HERE. You can also see additional info, discussion, photos and videos in our Paint, Paddle & Play Facebook group.

Individual and Group Coaching

I have one spot open for my 12-week transformational program, A Life Worth Having. 

I've also started a wait list for the next session of Micro Magic, a 22-day online group coaching experience to make procrastination disappear. Check out each link for more info and participant reviews. If interested in either, please reply to this email. (The wait list is growing and I'm considering dates. Be sure I know you're interested!)

Book Reviews So Appreciated!

If you haven't already, would you please take a second right now to leave a short review on Amazon? That's one of the easiest things you can do to help an author you love keep writing. Many thanks in advance!

Invite a Friend to Join Us?

Do you enjoy my Tuesday emails and know someone else who would appreciate a weekly dose of spiritual food—hope, encouragement and a fresh perspective? Please send them to angelahowell.com/links, where they can click the button to sign up for Tuesday's gifts and updates. They will also receive my free eBook, 10 Secrets to Finding the Gift. Thank you in advance for helping me reach more people.