Life doesn’t always turn out as we plan, and sometimes even our most well-thought-out strategies result in some unexpected consequences. Let me explain.

Recently, I started my day the way I often do, meandering in the garden. But that day, a dove sitting on the fence caught my attention. I thought it a little unusual, as they commonly fly off when I enter the yard. But she watched as I attempted to keep my distance. Later that morning, I checked on my feathered friend, and she was still sitting where I’d left her. But now lying beside her was an egg! Yep, she had laid her egg. On top of the fence, and there she sat dutifully BESIDE it. 

Now, I’m by no means a bird expert, but something is inherently wrong with an egg sitting on the fence AND Mama sitting close beside it. So, being the curious person I am, I watched. Surely she would build a nest? And if not a nest, then she would lovingly spread her wing over her young to keep it warm. But none of that happened. In fact, Mama Dove flew away only to be seen again carousing with a male dove on the neighbor’s roof.  

Mama’s planning, or lack of planning, resulted in what I considered a dangerous position for her and her chick-to-be. But here is the real kicker! I told you I was inquisitive, so I accessed the all-knowing Google to learn more about dove nesting behavior, and you’re not going to believe what I found! Guess who are notoriously bad nest builders? Good guess, doves! They routinely nest on fences, roofs, gutters, and other flat surfaces. And when they do finally build a nest, which they don’t always do, it can contain 2-3 crossed sticks. No elaborate bowl to nestle their offspring, just a few sticks to keep them from rolling off the fence! Does anyone else see the irony of this behavior?

I have to admit, I think about my feathered friend often since her egg-laying fiasco. Partly because I just can’t fully get my mind around nature, but more importantly because I am Mrs. Wayward Dove. And to let you in on a little piece of unsettling news, I think you might be one too. 

Now, before you stop reading, give me a chance to explain. 

I am a tenacious planner. Just ask my husband or close friends, and they will all tell you I like to PLAN. And here is another little fact: I don’t like it much when MY plans don’t work out. But here is where my actions mimic my dove friend: I have been known to reuse an unsuccessful plan. In fact, I’ve resurrected a few that should have remained buried, dusted them off, smeared on a little polish, and presented them as undeniable truth. In other words, I’ve laid a few eggs on fences, knowing they were going to roll off, and still clung to dove-like thinking. 

How about you? Have you ever clung to a plan you knew wasn’t going to work? Maybe those close to you have suggested a slight tweak that makes you bristle or position yourself to defend. It’s all Mama Bird thinking, and just because we have two legs and no wings doesn’t mean we are immune to forcing our way forward regardless of how little sense it makes or what the outcome might be. 

But here is a little something I want to remind you of. We can plan. We should plan. But we aren’t really in control! I know it came as a shock to me too. Our problem isn’t in the planning; our problem is treating our plans as though they are absolute. 

There is this verse in the book of Proverbs that says:

“We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.” (Proverbs 16:9, The Message) 

So ladies, you don’t have to stop planning. I know- what a relief. But I do suggest you hold your plans loosely before God. And when your fists begin to clench tightly around your need to control, remember this little story about Mama Bird.

Oh, you might be wondering what happened to the egg. My husband and I removed it from the fence and gave it a proper goodbye. I’m hoping Mama finds more suitable surfaces for her future nesting endeavors.

And that is my prayer for you: even if your best-laid plans fail, remember God’s faithfulness never does.

Be Blessed,