Seagulls and Security

Last week I took a family holiday to Cornwall, enjoying a rooftop terrace with sea views where we sat in the sunshine to relax. I found myself on eye level with our neighbour’s chimney pots where there nestled a grey, spikey-haired juvenile seagull. It had grown to full size but obviously couldn’t yet fly and let out high pitched chirps rather than the full-fledged cry of its parents. It still managed to poop in similar proportions near us! Its mother stood by on the roof top in watchful love, screeching at other passing birds, protecting and feeding her reliant chick.

If we’re honest, sometimes you and I might feel like that mother gull, and sometimes like the fledgling chick. Perhaps we are looking out for other people, nurturing and providing or working a significant job. We know what it’s like to feel responsible for the welfare of others.  Yet, however old or competent we might be, everybody benefits from knowing somebody is looking out for us, ready to sweep in and protect us in times of trouble.

As a Christian, I draw tremendous solace from knowing that there is a God in the heavens who really loves me, and promises to look out for me and feed divine wisdom into my everyday situations.

You might be surprised that in the Bible God is often described as tender, protective and fiercely devoted to us, rather “like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young” (Deuteronomy 32).

Like a caring parent, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armour and protection.” (Psalm 91)

When we experience this kind of love then like a child growing into an adult we may feel secure to spread our wings in life, and be generous enough to invest beyond ourselves into other people’s lives.

For a week I watched this seagull chick growing in confidence and preparing to fly the nest. May I never feel too grown up to bask in the nurturing love of God as a foundation to the rest of my life.