An Eagle or a Duck

Bridget has been sharing with me about her upcoming year with her new class of 5th graders. She spends the first couple of days of the new school year to line out the year. That includes such things the class schedule, the class rules, etc. Bridget loves her job as a teacher and feels very "called" to the profession. She tries to make a real difference in each student's life and that can be a real challenge at times. But, she says she wouldn't trade her profession for any other. That makes me very happy because I am a firm believer that one should be happy with and in their work.

One of the "truths" Bridget shared with her students last week was that of "The Eagle and the Duck." She told them that she wanted all of them to soar like an Eagle this year and that would involve doing their best work and having a positive attitude.

Image by law_keven via Flickr

Image by law_keven via Flickr

She contrasted the Eagle to a duck. A duck putters along, and makes little progress along the way and will serve as their example of a negative spirit this year. She ended by saying, "which do you want to be this year, an Eagle or a Duck." Of course, they all responded, "Eagle!"

I've thought a lot about this since she shared it with me. I had to ask myself, do I soar with the Eagles or putter with the ducks most of the time? I believe as a Child of the King that He would have me soar with the Eagles. In fact, He instructs us to "mount up with wings as Eagles" in the scriptures. I'm always grateful for opportunities to grow and this simple illustration spoke volumns to me and I'm committing to spend my time "soaring" rather than "puttering." I invite you to join me!