[252 words]
Last year, a Summersville, West Virginia, school principal got quite a surprise as he prepared to begin the new day. It was 7 a.m. and teachers and staff were getting ready for the students to arrive. The Zela Elementary School custodian had a problem. He couldn’t get the lid to unlock on the dumpster.
Principal James Marsh thought he would assist the worker with the lid. After managing to get the lock open, Marsh lifted the lid. Suddenly, a growl came from inside the container. The lid flipped open with force and out jumped a 400 lb. black bear.
Marsh and the bear ran off in different directions. After reviewing security footage, it seemed that the bear had climbed into the dumpster near the end of the previous day. Apparently, he stuffed himself with leftover school lunch food and fell asleep. The janitor closed the lid and locked it into place – not knowing that the bear was there.
When Marsh opened the lid the next morning, the frightened bear quickly exited the container and fled, leaving an alarmed James Marsh.
This story is a modern-day parable that reminds us that our lives are full of uncertainties and the only certainty is that God is always with us, no matter what life throws at us. 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” (Isaiah 41:10).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX