Susan LaffertySo he built an altar there, called on the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there. Isaac’s servants also dug a well there. [Genesis 26:25]
When Abraham or Isaac or Jacob moved to a new place, they did the necessary. Built an altar and worshiped the Lord their God. Pitched a tent and dwelled in the temporary place.
And dug a well. Dug deep. To tap into a source of water hidden beneath the ground.
The birds swoop down toward me. Splattered mud of last year’s temporary nest still stains the corner under the roof of our patio. We’ve tried to deter them. A long rope of brass bells from India hangs from a nail nearby. I watch them pull at the strands of the rope. Loudly protesting this intrusion.
They try a new location. In the opposite corner. Instinct rules and they will not be stopped. We pile something in this new spot. Our attempt at a scarecrow. We wait to see whether they’ll leave for another place.
They’re obnoxious. All the chattering and swooping makes the back patio an unpleasant experience. But I know it’s how they’re wired. It’s time for nest making. Go home.