Articles
Wren
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
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"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!"
- Ps. 98:4
This little wren was singing with all of its heart even in the midst of a cold winter day. I love to hear music in most all of its forms. I hear it in the songs of birds, in the roar of waterfalls, in the rustling of the leaves, and in the whispers of the wind. The ability to sing and play instruments is also a gift I do not have but thoroughly enjoy hearing it from others. There is a power in music to transform and inspire. As a teenager, the melodies and lyrics in the popular music of my youth touched me deeply. When Don McLean penned the words to his classic ballad, American Pie, he was lamenting the passing of some of his favorite artists. In carefully veiled words, he made references to Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and the Beatles. His sorrow at their passing was also mine. Their music defined my hopes and frustrations like no other. Good music does that. It speaks to us in a language that surpasses prose. In the song, American Pie, Don McLean posed this question: "Do you believe in rock and roll, can music save your mortal soul?" The answer, of course is no, music cannot save your soul, but good music like the song of this wren can point you to the One who can. Nature produces good music for those who have the heart and ears to hear it. Make it a practice to listen to good music. You can find it in the natural world and you can find it in some popular songs and in many old treasured hymns of the church which are gradually and unfortunately fading away today. You can also find it in the works of gifted artists from Bach and Beethoven to Dylan and Springsteen. If your music points you to the Lord, it is good music. If it doesn't, the fault lies either in your choice of music or in the condition of your own heart. The first you can fix, but only God can fix the second. - John
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