As she sounded the alarm David and I both popped up and hustled outside in our sleep togs to see what had so ruffled Robin's feathers. Sure enough we had an intruder. Through the gathering darkness, in the far corner of our backyard, we could see the threatening shape. There she crouched. The Cat!
Robin went on one dive-bombing mission after another, swooping as close to the enemy as she dared and loudly scolding with each attack. But to no avail. This tried and tested method which worked with lesser foes like the squirrels, was useless now. Cat stood her ground, seeming to be seeking the right moment to advance on the weak and vulnerable baby birds.
Then out of the night came Papa, wildly waving his arms, lurching and leaping forward like something out of Jurassic Park and bellowing "Scat! Shoo! Get out of here!"
Cat held her position as long as she could. Then realizing the new troops were too much for her, she did the smart thing and hastily retreated back over the fence into the safety of her own yard.
With all the precious treasure of the nest secure once again, Robin calmed down and peace returned to our neighborhood. And just before I drifted off to sleep I wondered about what Robin might be thinking of the whole affair.
If she could talk, how would she relate what happened? Would she even be aware of where help had really come from? Did she know that Someone powerful who cared for her and her concerns had heard her cries for help and had rushed to her aid?
The next morning at the birdbath would she say something like this to the birds of her feather as they flocked together: ""Boy, I really had a scare last night. It was getting dark and I made one last trip out to dig worms for the little ones. Just as I flew back toward home I noticed something was not right. Then I saw it. A big furry creature sneaking steadily toward my babies. Disaster on the move. Oh, I could see it coming! "With my heart in my throat I knew I had to do something. Everything depended on me. I remembered all the articles I had read on assertiveness training and self-defense. I remembered reading The Little Engine That Could. I was so terrified but I reached way down inside myself to pull up the right stuff and started to go at that creature. I tried to intimidate the thing with loud, shrill sounds as I flew and fluttered in as close as I dared, then circled and flew back for another attack. For awhile I was losing ground and the creature kept on coming. I was frantic and weak but I kept up my harangue. And then the strangest thing happened. Suddenly, the creature turned and jumped away in the other direction. It took me a minute to calm down and realize that the danger was gone. I guess I really am something and have what it takes to take care of any situation. I noticed my People standing near the corner of their house. I guess they were pretty impressed with me too." Or would Robin greet her friends in the morning with a tale like this: "Boy, I really had a scare last night. It was getting dark and I made one last trip out to dig worms for the little ones. Just as I flew back toward home I noticed something was not right. Then I saw it. A big furry creature sneaking steadily toward my babies. Disaster on the move. Oh, I could see it coming!
"With my heart in my throat I knew I had to do something. I tried to intimidate the thing with loud, shrill sounds as I flew and fluttered in as close as I dared, then circled and flew back for another attack. But I could see I was losing ground. I was no match for this enemy. I remembered Someone who owned the bush where I had my nest. I knew He had smiled at me and was delighted with my new family. I knew He was big, much bigger than the creature named Disaster. So I did the right thing. I cried for help. And do you know what? He answered my cry and He rushed to help me. He knew just what to do and how best to protect me. I am really glad I recognized I needed help and called. Now I know even more that He cares for me and is there for me. He doesn't expect me to always know what to do and to always be strong. I want to remember to give credit where credit is due and to say, 'Thanks. I needed that!' Last night I had a big scare but I also learned a big lesson."
Dear Grands,
This little bird taught me a big lesson too. From her I learned to call out for help to my Heavenly Father when I feel weak and am facing something big and scary. I hope you will each do the same. Our God will come rushing to help because He delights in you even more than Papa delights in Robin.
With lots of love,
Nana
P. S. Have Mom or Dad read you Psalm 18: 1-19 to see how this worked for someone else a long time ago.
Carolyn Roper
June, 1993