“I have placed a door between you and me, and I have empowered you to open or close that door. There are many ways to open it, but a grateful attitude is one of the most effective” (Sarah Young)

Like many people who are addicted to HGTV, I love Chip and Joanna from Fixer Upper. Between his construction know-how and her outstanding design, together they transform unloved or outdated houses into gorgeous homes, ready for new life. Watching their show today, I remembered a notebook entry from last year. Doorways…

Last week, we changed the wreath on our front door, from pine and berries to flowers and twigs. The groundhog may have predicted more winter, and there’s snow on the ground, but I’m certain global warming will come through and bring us some early blooms. It didn’t take long for a pair of finches to begin building their nest in this familiar spot. I’m honored, really, that despite our crazy lab Lucy, and the constant comings and goings of our family, the finches continue to build. I’ve been worried about the birds flying into the house, since the door opens inward without the safety of a screen or storm door. So I wasn’t surprised when that’s exactly what happened.

We had just gotten home from dinner, a feat in and of itself, as I am temporarily using a knee-scooter, healing from recent surgery, so entering and exiting the house is challenging. Although we were making a racket gliding up the walkway, the finch remained inside the wreath – until we opened the door, and she flew inside. She was frantic at first, flying in circles, until she rested atop the branch of another wreath! Luckily my husband was able to catch her with a fish-friendly net, made with materials specially to keep animals safe.

After a few attempts, he was able to catch and release her outside through the back door. I was worried she would be disoriented and forget her way back home, but she flew directly back to the wreath and nestled in. I love that little bird – so tiny, so vulnerable, yet resilient with a feisty spirit… driven to build her nest and nurture a life. That’s what motherhood is – a constant cycle of building, nurturing, releasing, receiving, fly-bys, fly-aways, fly-backs… sticks, twigs, leaves and stems – love, joy, heartbreak and forgiveness.

In honor of Motherhood
Grey shadow
     hiding in the light –
fluttering about
     on streams of breeze
Singing her melodious tune
Weaving new life
into our home