In recent weeks as I’ve walked out my back door I’ve noticed a growing pile of twigs and pine needles accumulating near the door. I puzzled at this until my husband mentioned that a bird had been trying to build a nest on the pipe above the door but hadn’t been successful.

Spring is, of course, the time of year when birds everywhere are readying their nests and welcoming new little tweeters into their families. A couple years ago I wrote two posts about lessons I learned from watching the birds build nests and take care of their babies. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 here.

Twig by Twig
This year, what I’m struck by is the patience of the birds as they are forced to build their nests twig by twig. They go one twig at a time because that’s all their tiny beaks can carry. And in the case of the birds who unsuccessfully attempted to build a nest on the pipe out back, there must be at least 100 twigs and pine needles lying on the ground.

Try, fail. Try again, fail. Try again.

At some point they figure it out and slowly but surely build their nests just in time for their intended purpose.

What Am I Building?
This process makes me think about my life and what little things I am intentional about doing daily in an effort to build those things I care about into something bigger.

Some of the things I’m doing little by little are writing my first eBook, learning more French, consistently writing new blogs and articles, making new networking contacts here and there.

There are days when I feel like all my twigs are dropping on the ground and other days I am encouraged and can see progress toward my goals.

The completion of long term goals usually doesn’t happen overnight. But as long as you keep on going, twig by twig, you are making progress toward the goal.

Just Keep Going
When I’m tempted to think of my work as insignificant, I am reminded of this verse:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10

When you are moving forward in the direction God is leading you, nothing is wasted and every experience has meaning.

This morning I was encouraged by these three quotes I read…

“God cannot be unfaithful. He doesn’t call us to fruitless obedience. What you’re doing matters and not just now but to a future generation.” Beth Moore

“Destiny is the domain of the dreamer who refused to give up.” Kathryn Scott

“Faithfulness has great equity in God’s kingdom! Keep doing what God told you to do. He sees your faithfulness. He sees your patience. He sees you pressing into your calling, and He’s getting ready to open the right door, at the right time!” Paula Friedrichsen

So…
+What can you do today that will prepare you for the future promise God is leading you to?

+If you feel like more of your twigs are ending up on the floor than in creating the nest, choose to be encouraged and just keep going. One twig at a time and God will open the doors to fulfill the desires of your heart in His timing.

This week be encouraged that you will make it! Just like the birds who tried and failed and tried again. Patient. Persistent. Twig by Twig.

P.S. I’m looking forward to doing more teaching and speaking engagements this year! Take a peek at my brand new Speaking info page.