The bald eagle is an impressive bird. Its exceptional eyesight allows it to dive from significant heights to catch its prey. But the eagle wasn’t born this way, it must first learn to fly and then can develop these skills. Baby eagles or eaglets gain their strength and ability through trial and error.
It is assessment season in the senior school. Exam Blocks are just around the corner, and the pressure mounts for our students during this time. Students are weary from a term of showing up to learn, and no doubt are telling you how tired they are!
As parents and educators, we can be tempted to take the hard things off our kids in an attempt to help them. But our attempts to bring them reprieve from hard things don’t always have our desired outcome. Like the eaglet, in order for them to become skilled, strong flyers, they need to go through the trials and errors of being a young person. They need to fall from the nest in order to strengthen their wings.
When the eaglet is flapping its wings, practising its take-offs and falling from the nest, the bald eagle is often circling the nest. The eagle doesn’t interject or force the eaglet back into the nest. The eagle is nearby, watching over the eaglet, protecting the nest for its safe return.
Isaiah 41:10 says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Our students value our encouragement and provision. Knowing they’re loved, cherished and championed helps them to spread their wings and gain independence! Just like our God, who doesn’t take the hard things from us, but promises to be with us through it!
Rachel Baker
