SULLIVAN AND THE HOUSE BUILDER

Sullivan Sparrow had been busy all morning and decided to land in a large Sycamore tree and take a short rest. Not far from where he landed, and on another limb, he could hear a lot of activity. He bounced over from limb to limb to take a look.
“Looks like you are busy with a building project. Are you building a new home Robin?”
“Well, yes and no,” said the busy Robin, “Yes, it is a new ‘house’ but, no, it won’t be a ‘home’ until is has eggs in it.”
It seems Robin’s answer was as careful as her building. Sullivan was a little puzzled and asked, “What do you mean about a ‘house’ and a ‘home?”
Robin put down a long piece of grass she had in her mouth.
“I am building a house out of these pieces of grass, straw, sticks and what have you,” said Robin, “and when I am finished I will have a house.”
Sullivan turned his head a little still thinking about all of this. He was about to ask another question when Robin continued.
“When this house is completed we will have eggs in it. We will be excited and happy when they become little Robins. We will fix food, give instruction, love each other and have lots of adventures together in our home. The home is kind of inside the house,” said the bubbling Robin.
“Then it isn’t the same thing?” asked Sullivan.
Robin could see she would need to explain further. She stepped back from the small circle of twigs and sticks she was working on. She asked Sullivan, “What do you see?”
“A little pile of sticks and twigs with grass holding them together,” replied Sullivan.
“That’s right. That’s right,” said busy Robin, “that is the beginning of our house. Now, would you please go sit on top of the pile of little sticks and twigs? Go ahead.”
With Robin’s encouragement Sullivan moved over and stepped on to the pile of little sticks. He was standing there feeling a little strange when Robin said, “Go on, sit down and make yourself at home.”
Sullivan did not really feel very much at home. The house was far from finished.
Robin said, “Do you see? A house is just a pile of sticks and twigs until some life moves into it. Children, food, school, hobbies, laughter, love and learning together make a home.”
Sullivan was now pretty relaxed listening to Robin. He could understand what she was talking about.

(From: ‘The Safe Tree Stories with Sullivan Sparrow’ Ben Fike 2003)

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Jesus