“Wrapped in Safety”

Dear Teacher,  
 

At a recent Texan outdoor family barbecue, Katie Adlong spotted what she initially thought to be a baby barn owl.  All by itself and with no parents in sight, Katie wondered if the tiny bird was cold. Without ornithology knowledge, Katie instinctively knew she had to act quickly.  She gently carried the birdie to the grill and instructed the backyard-chefs to warm a tortilla.  Wrapping it in this makeshift blanket, Katie took another step to intercede for the feathered fledgling.  She called Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.  Katie knew she had done all she could and needed the 'higher ups' to help!

It turns out that Katie's instinct was completely correct for the soon-to-be-identified Mississippi Kite Owl.  This little one had somehow fallen from her nest and was unable to regulate her temperature.  Thanks to Katie's help, the baby was taken straight to the wildlife hospital where rehabbers commented that the warming technique was "undoubtedly inventive" and "surprisingly effective."  The baby was quickly named "Taquito," and transported to the rehab center, where it made great progress and developed a healthy appetite (of chips and salsa, perhaps?).  Taquito is expected to make a full recovery and be released into the wild in two months.

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, daily intercede for little ones that have fallen from their nest.  You immediately recognize students without the shelter of parental love, security of dependable resources, and solid understanding of Jesus.  You immediately swoop in with your own personal educator warmth, engulfing the student in dependability, high expectations, and unconditional love.  You nurture these fledglings, resourcing those around you to make sure the student has basic and learning needs met.  And, above all, you wrap that student in prayer, wholeheartedly believing this:
 

"He, who counts the very hairs of our heads and suffers not a sparrow to fall without him, takes not of the minutest matters that can affect the lives of His children, and regulates them all according to His perfect will, let their origin be what they may." ~Hannah Whitall Smith

Swaddling with you,

Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor