Lonesome Dove

Recently I discovered a dove hiding under some bushes in our front courtyard. He was concealed so well that I didn’t realize he was there. But when I went out to water some of the plants in the courtyard, I was startled when the bird abruptly flew out from under the bush.

Actually he didn’t fly very far. It was evident that he was weak and was only able to fly a few feet above the ground. I backed away to give him some room and not frighten him further.

Over the next few days I continued to see the dove in the courtyard. I wasn’t sure what I should do to help him. I set out a small dish of water on the ground and later bought some bird seed to provide him with some food.

Gradually he began to look stronger. On one occasion he flew up to the top of the wall that enclosed the courtyard. Another time he flew further to the short wall between our house and our neighbor. But he kept coming back to our courtyard. I know a bird is vulnerable on the ground and I hoped a cat or hawk would not find him. So far so good.

I wondered if he had any family or friends in the area. We have seen several bird’s nests in our trees and above our patio. The dove seemed larger than a newborn but it may have still been pretty young and just learning to fly. I have seen other young birds on the ground in our back yard trying to fly. Maybe this guy’s parents were watching from a distance hoping he would get airborne.

Early this morning I took some new seed out for his breakfast but he did not react to my presence. The dove was gone. Maybe he finally got strong enough to join his family and friends in the safety of the trees. I hope he is on his way to a healthy and happy life.

I was surprised at my level of concern for this little bird. I felt a sense of compassion and wanted to help him if I could. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home” (Proverbs 27:8). I believe that God has given us family and friends to provide support and help in our time of need. Let me encourage you to value your friends and family. Don’t stray away from them. And be willing to help them when they go through difficult times. You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can read 365 more stories and articles by Mark Hopper in his book – Let Me Encourage You. The price of a book is only $20 plus postage ($5). Order a copy for yourself and one for a friend or family member at markh@efreedb.org. Your will be glad you did and they will too!