Mr. Robin's Song

Early this morning Mr. Robin was singing his heart out. It was 5:00 AM. The song had some variation but for the most part it was the same over and over again. He was singing from the bottom of his heart.

I noticed a few months ago just after the snow was leaving, the air was still cool and even cold, the Robins were coming back to our area of Canada. They simply were there. None were singing, in fact I doubt that any were making noise of any sort. They were looking for food and trying to keep warm.

Now things have changed. The nests have been built in our area – near our home. Everything is ripe for the arrival and up bringing of a little family. Their babies are almost here now.

Someone shared with me that the reason the Robin sings so loudly and so long – and from the same place in the tree – is for his family. He wants the mommy Robin to know he is still there. He wants the babies that are unborn yet to know what his voice sounds like. Apparently every Robin’s voice and song is different from other Robins around them. There is some strong evidence that the little ones – even in the egg shell, not yet hatched, are learning the song of the daddy Robin.

What a powerful example for human beings. Our kids pick up everything from us. The good and the bad are all part of the mixture. The impression we leave with them is so important.

One other thing I have noticed about Mr. Robin, his singing will stop after the nest is empty. His job is done and his family know what they need to know. It is deeply imprinted on their Robin hearts. He only has a short time to get the job done.

Last evening we sat with a young couple with a new baby. There are struggles with their housing –hot and crowded. There is a struggle with no work yet. There are struggles. Yet they are happy. As daddy held the baby boy in his arms he described how his son smiled at him for the first time on Father’s Day – it was his best gift ever. The love in the young dad’s words for this special son is amazing and good to hear.

Now daddy just has to do one small thing for the next few years – sing his heart out with his actions and love and example and demonstrations of all the stuff that a daddy should do. The baby boy will be a daddy some day too.

Recently I have watched with great delight from the sideline at a soccer game for 8 year olds and from the sidelines of different baseball fields. Moms and dads cared enough to be there with their kids – at the big game of the week. Whatever sport it is – the cheering at the sidelines is greater than the Edmonton Oilers experienced in Game #6. These parents care and are doing their best to show some love.

I honour them. Their song will be heard.

It also reminds me of how much our Heavenly Father supports us and looks forward to being there for us. He keeps singing his song of love and care. The Apostle John said some special words for me to help me understand.

John 10:14
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--
(NIV)
John 10:27
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
(NIV)

Oh how much I need my Heavenly Father to show me the way and teach me his song. How about you?