The Empty Nest By Troy Schmidt
OVERVIEW
This beautifully illustrated story is a gift book to be given
to the parents of graduates, to congratulate them on preparing
their children for the next stage in their lives. It includes
a section in the back where they can insert pictures of their
graduate.
STORY
Mother Bird and Father Bird watched the horizon as their two little
ones flew through the sky and disappeared into the clouds. Mother
Bird took a deep breath, unable to remember when she breathed
last.
"They're gone," she sighed.
As she looked around, she realized it was
just she and Father Bird now. The nest was empty. Mother Bird
dropped her head and fought back the tears.
"They left way too early. They're
so young," she cried.
Father Bird put his wing around her. "They
left at the age we left."
"But they hadn't learned enough. There
was so much more to teach them."
"We prepared them for this. They were
ready."
"But there are dangers in the world.
They could get eaten."
"We taught them what to do, and where
to go, and what to avoid. We showed them how to fly. We introduced
them to prayer."
"But…" Mother Bird kept
thinking of excuses, but she knew the answers. "…I guess,
I'm not ready!"
Father Bird nodded his head, understanding
quite well, and wrapped both wings around her, as she let the
tears go.
Mother Bird thought over all the memories
that happened right here in the family nest.
The day of their arrival.
Their first solid food.
Walking on their own two legs.
Falling flat on their faces.
Flying for the first time by themselves.
Teaching them the ways of the world.
Showing them new horizons and mountains
to soar over.
Talking to them about creation and the
Creator.
So many memories filled this happy nest.
Now, it felt so empty.
"We did a good job preparing them,
Mama Bird. After all the things we told them and all the adventures
we showed them, why would we want them to stay?"
Mother Bird understood. "I do want
them to experience the life we had. I want them to find a home
and build a nest just like this one and fill it with little birdies,
just like we did. I just wish I had prepared them for one thing."
"What's that?" Father Bird asked.
"How much it will hurt them to see
their own children fly away."
Mother Bird and Father Bird held each that
night and prayed. Prayed that their little ones were safe, flying
high and staying close to the God who they taught them all about.
The nest was empty. But their hearts were
full.
Of memories.
Of love.
Of a job well done.
THE END
