Living in freedom!

This is the third blog I write about the Common Iora just because of the impression that this bird left with me in its first visit to our garden. It is because of its distinctive nature and behaviour. It is one bird which sings in multiple tunes. I listened to at least four different tunes in its bird song. There are others who recorded seven different bird songs of this bird.

I came across recently three children who were outstandingly different from others because of their abilities, to the extent that the teachers found it difficult too keep pace with their questions and thought journey. 

One, who is thirteen is an avid reader and fictional in imagination. The second is a four years old who is advanced in creative skills that he draws pictures which have amazing richness of content and imagination. The third is a versatile child who has a an amazing caring spirit that he is often beside children who need help whether it be in the class or in the out door activities. 

All the three received adverse comments from the teachers for not 'being like other children'. I felt disturbed by this mind set of the teachers. Are not teachers the path finders for children who excel in any domain of learning and behaviour!

All the three children I referred to have some gaps in their profile of behaviour expected of a student in the class room. Their exceptional abilities make them different. They need a different measuring scale and encouraging word from teachers. But they feel harassed in the class room because teachers and our students find then different. 

It is in this context I refer to the seven different bird calls of this  Common Iora and take a clue about the distinctiveness of some children. They stand apart and they also need support as they have grey areas in their social skills or academic skills. 

I wish we can see in each other the goodness and grace of God! Each person as the bearer of God's goodness however reduced it might be because the circumstances they encounter!

This season of advent is the time to prepare ourselves to be self giving and forgiving because  that was what birth of Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)