The Lessons of the Wrens (05/21/2026)

The wrens have returned to my yard. How I love it when this happens. They are my favorite birds because these tiny creatures have been instructive to me as a disciple in simple yet profound ways. I love their songs; in my humble opinion, they are the most beautiful and joyous of the songs. I love their spunk; they don’t let their size diminish their mission. We can learn a lot from this tiny creature.

I recall the first time that wrens graced my yard. I heard this most amazing song, and I searched the area looking for its source. It took a while because they are such tiny birds quite good at hiding from view. I couldn’t believe that this beautiful and rich and loud song was coming from such a small creature. I thought of myself, short in stature, facing vertical challenges daily, even moment to moment. If this tiny creature can wrestle up such joy that its expression transforms its environment, why am I not emanating joy in such a manner? The tiny bird caused me to ponder my level of joy and my eagerness to express it.

We have so much to be joyful for as disciples, as ones redeemed by Christ, as daughters and sons of the Father Almighty, our Creator. We have our faith, we have our LORD’s loving presence always, we have the gifts of the Spirit to grace our moments and to help us on our journeys home. We have the assurance that the LORD is with us always. What more could we desire?

As I watched the wrens that first year and every year since, a second aspect of their lives caught my attention, their spunk regardless of their size. They tackle their tasks with such enthusiasm. They build their nests; they share the task of watching the nests and nestlings along with finding food. And when there is a danger nearby, they aren’t intimidated. They will scold the intruders. They will discourage the intruder by joining themselves with one another. They are united in their purpose.

As I watch the wrens, I think of my own journey and how easily I can be dissuaded by obstacles. I recognize that it isn’t the externals that define us but rather the internals, the sense of purpose, the sense of identity. I remember wondering one day as I watched them how different our world would be if we disciples behaved more like the small wrens, not so focused on the challenges but rather on our purpose and not letting others deter us from our purpose.

The wrens are a great gift to me. They remind me of so much I know about my own journey, and they encourage me to rely upon my LORD who created me with a purpose. They remind me to be all I am created to be, not to let others make me feel small or frightened. They remind me to be bold in living all I’ve been called to live and to use my life, as the wren, to point to my LORD from whom all my blessing flow.

I hope all are given the gift of wrens to your neighborhoods, your yards, your summer day. Watch them. Enjoy their beautiful and joyful songs. I hope you learn from them as I have. They grace your world for a reason.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.