Mothers in Nature

Have you paused to consider the different kinds of mothers in nature? Each one is created and loved by God. As God made each human with distinct details and characteristics, He also made each mother in nature with unique qualities.

Think about a nest filled with baby birds. The home was most likely built by the adults. Sometimes, the male builds the nest while the female waits on another tree branch. Other times, both parents complete the nest with twigs, string, leaves, cotton balls, and other objects to make a haven for the newborns.

Consider the dog who positions herself after the birth of babies so that each one can find nourishment and comfort. The puppies snuggle next to their mother and find needed life- sustaining food.

What about the orangutan? Researchers share that for the first two years of life, babies rely on their mothers for food and transportation.

The African elephant is an example of how groups work together to help new babies. While living in a social group, other female elephants help a calf to its feet after birth and they guide the baby to learn how to nurse.

Elephants are known for shielding their children. Elephants often travel in herds and position the young ones on the inside of the pack to protect them from predators. They also take care of and adopt any calf that becomes an orphan.

In each situation, the love and dedication from mother to child are evident in the care given. The protective growl of a lion when its cub is being approached shows the love the parent has for the child.

Unfortunately, some mothers don’t take care of their children. Lizards don’t rely on their mothers for nourishment to survive. After they are born, baby lizards consume whatever the adult lizards enjoy eating.

How do you feel about mothers in nature? Have you watched a horse taking care of a foal? Or a mama giraffe rubbing necks with her young? Maybe you have visited a zoo and watched families of foxes, bears, lions, and deer interact.

Relationships in creation are vital to physical and mental well-being. God created humans to take care of animals.

“God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kings, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:25 NIV)

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26 NIV)

God created humans and animals. He has commanded us to take care of the people and the animals. By showing love to His creations, we are showing our love for God.

By observing the mothers in nature, we are reminded to love one another as Jesus loved us.
Showing His love, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy are ways to spread the message of God.

How have you shown God’s love to mothers in nature?

In His Name,
Melissa Henderson