As Lent approached, I wanted to help my 4-year-old son, Brogan, understand the significance of this special time in our Catholic faith. At age 4, Brogan was a bundle of energy and curiosity, and he had always been fascinated by the birds in our backyard. I thought incorporating his love for birds into our Lenten activities might be a meaningful way for him to connect with God’s creation.
One day, as we sat together on the porch, Brogan said, “Mommy, God gave me all the birds in the world!” His eyes widened with wonder.
“Yes, Brogan,” I replied with a smile. “God created each one with love and care, just like He created you. He wants us to take care of them and appreciate their beauty.” With that, we came up with an adventure for Lent!
Brogan was excited to start his Lenten adventure. I helped him set up a bird feeder in the backyard. We filled it with seeds and watched as the birds flocked to their new feeding spot. Brogan smiled with delight as he saw sparrows, finches, bluebirds, and even a bright red cardinal enjoying the food.
Each day, Brogan took on a new task to help the birds. He made sure the bird feeder was always full and kept the birdbath clean and fresh. He repaired the old birdhouses with Grandma Pat; they hung them in the trees. One afternoon, we decided to make pinecone bird feeders, just like I had when I was a child. Brogan loved this fun and easy project.
Brogan also learned to be gentle and quiet when watching the birds so he wouldn’t scare them away. This was a monumental task for a 4-year-old! He loved to sit in his special spot, listening to their songs and feeling a sense of peace and connection to God’s creation.
One evening, as we were saying our bedtime prayers, I asked him, “What was your favorite part of today?” Brogan thought for a moment and then said, “I loved helping the birds, Mommy. I feel like God is happy when I take care of them.” I hugged him tightly. “I’m sure He is, Brogan. You are doing a wonderful job showing love and kindness to God’s creatures.”
As Lent continued, Brogan’s love for birds grew even stronger. He learned that even small actions, like filling a bird feeder, could make a big difference. Through it all, he felt a special connection to God, knowing that he was helping to care for the beautiful world that had been given to him.
On Easter Sunday, we celebrated as a family, knowing that Brogan had positively impacted the world around him. For Easter, I bought him a John Deere tractor birdhouse and feeder. Thirteen years and two home moves later, Brogan still cares for the feeder and birdhouse. In the springtime, he repairs the birdhouses and feeders in the yard without assistance. He does not need help filling the feeders, but from time to time, I still walk with him!
When my husband and I sit on the porch, looking at the birds in the yard, I feel a sense of great joy and hope, knowing that Brogan continues to positively impact the world around him. As his mother, I am excited to watch his journey of faith and stewardship flourish.
Spring break is right around the corner. Maybe it is time to make some pinecone feeders!
Here are the steps we followed to make the bird feeders:
1. Gather supplies: We collected pinecones from the yard, peanut butter, birdseed, and some string.
2. Prepare the pinecones: Brogan helped me tie a piece of string around the top of each pinecone, creating a loop for hanging.
3. Spread peanut butter: Using a butter knife, Brogan spread peanut butter all over the pinecones, making sure to cover them thoroughly.
4. Roll in birdseed: We poured birdseed into a shallow dish and rolled the peanut butter-covered pinecones in the seed until they were completely coated.
5. Hang the feeders: Brogan proudly hung the pinecone feeders on the branches of our backyard trees.