A robin’s nest rests still and empty on the bend of a gutter downspout just a few feet from my home’s living room window. But for four weeks this summer, that window provided a marvelous view of one of nature’s life cycles.

We first noticed flapping in late June as Mother Robin sized up the space and possibilities. Then, equipped with only beak, wings, claws and instinct, she began construction — two days of motion as materials were found, placed and shaped.

Soon “Mrs. Robinson,” as we called her, was sitting on three blue eggs. About 14 days later, they hatched. After two more short weeks of care and upbringing, the show was over as quickly as it began. No more Mrs. Robinson to cheerfully greet as we left our home. No more offspring to be seen from the third rung of our ladder.

Just an empty nest.

While magical anytime, the nesting cycle had personal meaning in this summer of transition in my own family. My wife and I were blessed with three “eggs” in our home, where we’ve nested for 27 years. Two didn’t make it, ending in miscarriage. The special third one, our daughter — with college diploma in hand and her belongings in a cargo van — leaves the nest in a few days to begin a career as a Catholic school teacher in Iowa.

It’s time. She’s been well prepared. She’ll be a gift to her school and community. Still, it’s an emotional time, as all parents realize as they let go and let God. Transitions are always challenging, and life is full of them.

So is the life of the church as it is experienced in parishes. Pastors come and pastors go. Families move in and out. Buildings rise and are razed. There are baptisms and burials. The only constant is God’s enduring love and mercy.

With this issue of The Catholic Post, the Diocese of Peoria announces a major initiative that will impact every parish and mission over the course of the next year. It’s time to plan for the future. It’s time to talk and cooperate more with our neighboring faith communities as we strive to better follow, serve, and share Christ. It’s time for trust. It’s time for prayer. It’s time for faith.

It is not time for fear.

The acronym of the “Gathering in Faith Together” process is appropriately GIFT. It’s an unopened, mysterious gift at this point, to be sure. But the Holy Spirit, who can be trusted with and indeed constantly inspires change, is the most creative and talented of artists.

Pay close attention to how this Dove is reshaping our diocese and its parishes. Your help is needed. — Thomas J. Dermody