Canyon Wren : The Second Coin

This is a Canyon Wren. It’s the second one I’ve seen. It isn’t a “lifer” as birders say, but to me it’s equally meaningful - maybe even more so than a lifer. I was at a new park, exploring a new type of terrain. In a situation like this, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see a new bird. Instead I saw a bird I’d seen before - once - in a new context. There was something both familiar about it and something that gave insight into a different facet of its character. This specific bird, this individual, remains utterly unique in the world and simultaneously is part of a species, a larger family that all share similar history and identity.

Our tradition teaches that all humanity descends from Adam, establishing our universal brotherhood. We all share the same lineage, so no person is better than another. We all rank the same and stand on equal footing. In the same section of Talmud, we learn that each person is also created uniquely, stamped from the mold of Adam yet every one different, and consequently it is as if HaShem created the entire world for each of us individually. This is a powerfully ennobling thought, that the whole world was made just for me. This sublime juxtaposition establishes unifying bonds between us all even as it distinguishes each of us and reminds us of both our personal value and our obligations.

I recently received a priceless letter. It was written in response to my first book. The letter itself was heartwarming, with appreciative thoughts about the book and loving care for me. I’ve been thinking intensely about this note. What strikes me most powerfully is the degree to which the writer and I are stamped from the same mold, yet at the same time, only this one individual - in all of the world - could have written his message. Only he has the history, relationships, and insights. As we trek through the parks, and our lives, we can profit from appreciating these connections between the unique, whether they’re Wrens or irreplaceable human relationships.