Thoughts from the Corner Office
By: Greg Swenson, Headmaster

Every once in a while there is a rare moment when we experience a “once in a lifetime” event.  For me, it has been several “one time” encounters with animals.  In 1978, a cougar (mountain lion) slowly bounded in front of my old truck on an old rural Connecticut road.  What a beautiful sight as I watched him turn, look at me, and then saunter off slowly into the woods.  On a summer night several years ago between Keene and Concord, a young moose ran directly in front of my car and fortunately escaped with only a light “body slam” from my Tahoe.  Two weeks ago, I encountered a black bear at my son’s home and again the next day when I was leaving my house for school.  But on Easter, I witnessed the most beautiful and awesome sight of all. 

As we were standing at the kitchen sink, a young eagle dove into the icy water in front of our house, snatched up a rainbow trout, and landed on a large chunk of ice.  It hovered over its prey to keep the seagulls from stealing it while snatching a tender morsel when it could.  What a magnificent bird!  I scrambled for the video camera and for twenty minutes captured some rare footage which we will enjoy for years to come.

God knows that I love the outdoors, and He has used these animal encounters in my life to demonstrate His majesty, power, and creativity again and again.  The power and grace of the eagle reminded me of that great old testament verse from Isaiah 40:31 which says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint”.

In this stressful and complicated time in our country and in our lives, I’m thankful that the God of this universe is mindful of this little school and of you and me as well.  The wings of the EAGLE are strong.  They are never weak and they don’t grow weary!  What a promise for all of us who “hope in the Lord!”