Common Yellowthroat : Without Exception
Common Yellowthroat
This is a Common Yellowthroat. If that grates your ear a bit, you’re not alone. While I’m OK with the “greater” and “lesser” designations of birds based on physical characteristics, this name sits poorly. There are a handful of cousin yellowthroat species, and perhaps “common” is meant to denote only widespread or numerous. Still. Others are named for their territory or appearance. This bird - especially to a semi-seriously obtuse defender like myself - seems to get a bum rap. Focus intently. Look at those compelling colors and stunning contrasts. Far from common, I see a bird that’s exceptional. Seen on its own merits, objectively, without the overlay of rarity-equals-value human conventions, this creature is undoubtedly a standout.
Consider three successive Israelite kings. Saul was the first monarch to rule a united people, and he organized tribes into a national state. His own children turned against him; he lost God’s favor; and his throne passed to a loved-then-hated son-in-law. David was a mighty warrior and a sublime poet. His personal appetites shadowed his accomplishments; his household was chaos; and he died without building the Temple. Solomon’s name is synonymous with wisdom, and he led Israel to the zenith of its worldly power. He disregarded Torah injunctions; his kingdom split in two; and his legacy was ethical and social strife. Each of these exceptional, truly exceptional, men had lives and failings no less common than the lowliest among them.
How do we speak of ourselves? Do we focus on our successes or our shortcomings? Both are part of us, unquestionably. But do we credit ourselves fully for our past achievements or look only at the things which remain still to do? A forward-looking bias is necessary to build great things. And yet. To look forward - only - without also acknowledging prior steps is a distorted account of one’s walk through life. Genuine gratitude actually requires clear-eyed awareness of the milestones reached along the way, as these intervals reflect prior help and inspiration. When we perceive the common and the exceptional - whether a Yellowthroat or a king - may we see all of ourselves, fully, in a genuine and appreciative light.