Even the Swallow Has Found a Nest

 Sunday before New Years Day after morning service at the local Nazarene church where Jonathan had been asked to fill in, we had a half hour before joining Lakota church for the meal after service.

 

 So we took a little walk in the sunshine and fresh air somewhere down Power Dam Road where there used to be a dam and even some kind of water-powered facility. 

Some time way back in the who-knows-when.

Interestingly, we found this 1924 date inscribed on this old wall.

That was exactly 100 years ago.

(Until this year, at which time, it has been 101 years ago!)

We noticed these nifty steps made from old tires and filled with dirt. (Amazing what can be made from tires and dirt!)

Then Danny noticed something else made from dirt.

There he was, pointing at something he had just discovered. 

I hadn't gone down there with the rest of them, but I was taking a few random pictures. And there were the three of the family looking and looking at something.

On the concrete wall near the dam were perhaps hundreds of swallow nests made of mud! It was just unbelievable.

Completely vacant this time of year, we could tell that come spring and summer, this place is going to be alive with a colony of swallows having found a spot to build their nests--safe from predators such as the foxes, coyotes, and porcupines prowling on the ground or in trees and from hawks and eagles soaring through the air--

like the eagle this morning swooping just past our house. 

I thought immediately of the little bookmark from my Bible that had been on the window sill earlier that month. 

"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young--even Your altars, O Lord God of hosts. Blessed are those who dwell in your house."

I looked at those simple, yet not-so-simple mud nests. 

Even the swallows last year had found homes and nests of refuge for their families.

And are not You, O God, a place of refuge for me and my family--and all the families and children of those who fear You?

In these days of uncertainty, wars and rumors of wars, disasters, and evil,

may we abide near your altars--and find our home in You!