My perspective: Some birds show a lack of discernment when they choose where to build their nests. A wren raised her family in the back bumper of our car. A roadrunner hollowed out a depression and laid her eggs in the gravel of our church driveway. Some barn swallows built their mud nest above the lintel of my front door.  

Humans are much smarter than birds. People take great care in building a house. They may get a certified architect to design it and a building inspector to ensure that all phases of the construction comply with the building code. From the concrete foundation to the standing-seam metal roof, humans build so that their nests will be serviceable and hold their value for decades. I sure am glad I’m not a bird.  

The bird’s perspective: Some humans show a lack of discernment when they build their houses. A retired couple built a huge mansion after their children left home. Our nest is just the right size so that when it becomes overcrowded, our children are old enough to fly. No bird in its right mind would build a nest fifty times larger than it needs.  

Birds are much smarter than humans. Some people don’t even have enough money to build their nest. They take out huge mortgages and obligate themselves to large house payments for decades to come. If I had to bear such a heavy debt load, l wouldn’t even be able to sing in the mornings. I sure am glad I’m not a human.  

God’s perspective: I created birds and humans. I gave the birds instinct to know how and where to build their nests. I bestowed on humans the powers of reason. Only the endowments of humans are coupled with accountability to their Creator.  

Dear Lord and Father of mankind . . . Reclothe us in our rightful mind. 
—J. G. Whittier