The Tale of Two Sheep

Dear Teacher,  

Today's inspiration is brought to you by two very different sheep:

Our first sheep story features a regular, barnyard ewe caught in the recent Winter Storm Fern.  She, and her fellow field mates, found themselves neck-deep in snow following the cold onslaught of winter weather.  Left too long in bitter temperatures, it was very likely that the herd animals would freeze.  However, the female sheep knew what to do.  Upon hearing her Master's calling, she immediately forged a trail to the barn, paving the way for all the other cows and goats to follow.  Her quick decisiveness and intervention led the flock to safety.

Conversely, our second featured sheep threw the town of Washingtonville, New York into an emergency 24-hour "Sheep Watch."  Residents started spotting a wandering sheep around town named Waldo, who quickly became a celebrity with people posting photos and videos every time they saw him.  Waldo made his way through backyards, went to the school track for a workout, and was even spotted at a candy shop.  But he always disappeared before he could be caught.  

With Sheep Watch 2024 in full deployment, a rescue organization got involved after finding Waldo living in a backyard shed owned by a woman named Joanne.  Knowing that he couldn't safely live in her backyard forever, Joanne worked with the sanctuary to set up a feeding schedule for Waldo to ensure that he was well nourished and to build trust.  Once he was comfortable with his rescuers, Waldo moved into his permanent residence at Woodstock Sanctuary, where he gets to live with his friends in peace.

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom can relate to both sheep.  Day in and day out, you serve as the first sheep, quietly and dutifully guiding your classroom flock into the waiting arms of the Master.  However, when some students go astray, you quickly go into Where's-Waldo-mode, staying on sharp "Sheep Watch" alert.  You are willing to go to all extremes in order to save the sheep from wandering into danger, working side-by-side with parent and educational Rescuers to build trust and ensure academic and spiritual nourishment.  Two very different types of rescues, but with the same result: Student Safety, Security, and Salvation.

Thank you, Flock-Chasers!  
Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor