Holding Space
What the Dove Taught Me about Unseen Grace
This morning, my heart softened as I watched a devoted mama dove cradling her fragile newborn. Tucked deep within the safety of the nest, that tiny chick rested in absolute peace. It was beautifully oblivious to the fierce, profound love that had already been poured into its existence.
The little one didn’t know about the long, quiet hours its mother spent suspended in patience over those eggs. It knew nothing of the weary waiting or the silent protection. It simply rested, fully surrendered to the comforting warmth of being held.
As I sat with that image, a profound truth washed over me.
My mind drifted to the countless times our Heavenly Father has enveloped us in His love long before our hearts could even begin to understand what He was doing.
We all know those heavy, painful seasons:
The seasons of silence, where we feel completely forgotten.
The seasons of stagnation, where it seems absolutely nothing is moving.
The seasons of darkness, where we cannot fathom what is being formed in the quiet.
Yet, just like that mama dove, His love was actively occupying the space.
Waiting.
Protecting.
Forming something beautiful in the hidden places.
The ultimate proof of God’s devotion is rarely found in the loud, immediate miracles of today.
Instead, it is found in those moments when we suddenly realize He has been tenderly holding us all along.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore, the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
— Psalm 36:7 (NKJV)
Looking back at your own life, can you see a season where God was quietly protecting and preparing you, even when you couldn’t feel it at the time?
If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.