What a magical memory was created recently in our pool area behind our home. Lei pointed out a baby dove walking in the landscape near the pool among rocks. It was obvious the small bird appeared disoriented and unfamiliar where it was.
As the baby dove bobbled its head and walked aimlessly through the rocks, we just knew it had come down from a new nest we have seen built for a number of years. The nest has been an annual scene by the dove’s parents in the outdoor rafters of our next door neighbors canopy.
As we continued to watch the innocent little creature among the rocks she suddenly tried to fly above our fence and get back to the nest she left. However, the tiny bird came crashing back upon the rocks.
“Ahhhhhh!” I heard Lei’s voice quiver in distress with the baby dove.
After this uneventful flight I suddenly looked upon the fence and on one side was her mother dove and some 15 feet away atop of our fence was the father dove. That mother dove was like a stalwart guard ready to pounce on any one or any creature that would mess with her baby on those foreboding rocks below.
It was a moving scene to say the least. We, in the pool, had come to an abrupt halt from our swim; and had front seats to this National-Geographic-kind-of-venture.
Just in the eyes of those two parent doves we could see protectors with compassion, and that stalwart image we will never forget.
That mother dove had actually had an unusual wry look on her face like she was just daring any enemy to fool with her recently born baby. Stretching it a bit so—perhaps. But my imagination couldn’t have been too far from the truth. That baby dove in those rocks below was definitely apart of her.
From my studies doves are extremely loyal and committed to one another. It is a Mourning Dove’s part of life. A pair will stay with the same mate throughout their breeding season. Some ornithologists even think that Mourning Doves will stick together with the same mate throughout their life; and repeatedly build the same nesting place for their young.
Personally I’ve seen this with my own eyes—don’t need to be convinced.
But let’s get back to that stalwart scene of that faithful and caring and empathetic mother dove. At least in my mind this day I saw firsthand a living, breathing shrine overlooking her child. What a wonder!
….and to think our great God and Creator and Maker is overlooking you and me every day we are alive on those rocks of despair, decisions, deadlines, delights, difficulties and duties we experience daily.
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