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This is a quiet corner of the internet — a space for stories, reflections, and reminders that you don’t have to be perfect to be deeply loved. At The Rusted Sparrow, we embrace grace over hustle, rest over performance, and beauty in the rust. Whether you're weary, wondering, or simply looking for a softer place to land, you're welcome here.

When Joy Feels Small

  • Brianne Thomas
  • Sep 17
  • 2 min read

The morning didn’t start with a meltdown or a crisis. It was just...full. Loud. Immediate.


I was at the sink, sleeves pushed up, hands in the dishwater, trying to map out the day in my head. One kid asked if he could have chips for breakfast. The other wanted a cookie. Not as a joke—just an honest hope that maybe today I’d say yes.


The dogs were pacing like they were five minutes late to something important. My phone was already buzzing with texts I hadn’t answered from yesterday. And somewhere in the laundry room, a machine beeped like it had something urgent to contribute.


And my body? Breathing, technically. But inside, it felt like I was sprinting in place.


So I grabbed my chai tea and walked outside. Not because I had time. Not because I was calm. Just because I needed a second that wasn’t trying to talk to me.


That’s when I saw her.


A small brown bird, perched on the deck railing. Not singing. Not rushing. Just...there. Still. Unbothered. Like she had nowhere else to be.


And weirdly, that helped.


Not because my day suddenly quieted. But because I remembered something important:


Joy isn’t always loud.


Sometimes it’s not a breakthrough or a big win. Sometimes it’s a warm mug in your hands and a second on the deck where no one’s asking you anything.


That bird didn’t fix my to-do list. But she reminded me:


You don’t have to earn stillness. You don’t need permission to take a breath. You don’t need fireworks to call it joy.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Even when joy feels small, God is not.


So if today is a mix of noise and crumbs and questions...If your best moment was not saying yes to cookies for breakfast, or five quiet minutes with your chai—you’re doing beautifully.Not flashy. Not polished. But present. Rooted. Becoming.


Just like that little bird.


Would you like me to now create the blog header image:

  • In Rusted Sparrow’s hand-drawn style

  • Featuring a little bird on a deck railing

  • Soft colors, chai nearby, minimal text


Let me know if you’d like to include the blog title on the image: "In This Season: When Joy Feels Small" — or keep it more visual.


—The Rusted Sparrow

 
 
 

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