Divine Intervention

A tragic accident happened at work on Tuesday.  During fourth grade lunch, a huge pipe that runs across the length of the cafeteria ceiling fell. Two teachers (one, a friend of mine) and seven students were hurt. All were taken to the hospital, all had been under a section that fell, all but three were treated and released. Three students stayed over night with more serious injuries, but are expected to recover.  It happened in seconds. No warning sounds, no dripping water. My friend was standing there, and all of a sudden she was on the floor yelling to get out of the room.  The cafeteria workers, other teachers in the area, nurses, and custodians were the heroes. Everyone pitched in.  I work with an amazing group of people. Humble heroes.  The cafeteria looked like a scene from a movie. Water from the broken pipes was flooding the floor, tables were cracked an broken, children were stunned and wet. Blood was swirling in the water and smeared on the tables.

Yesterday, we had to report to the middle school.  Students had an early start to spring break and were off.  As a staff, the principals reviewed and debriefed us.  It was good to get all of the stories together and form a clear picture.  The incident was bad, but it could have been much worse.  We are on a five day rotation schedule. Tuesday was day two which meant a large section of the students were going to be outside at recess, playing. The teacher in charge of that was not there, however, for whatever reason, another teacher walked into the cafeteria and said that he would take them out, so they went outside; and the weather was beautiful contrary to the damp, cooler weather we have been experiencing. The pipe had fallen across that entire area, that fortunately, no children were sitting.  At another major collapse, a student had just thrown up at the table, and so the other students moved.  Again, no students but the table had be cracked by the falling pipe. There were several other stories of how someone had made a different decision which moved them into a position that made them either safe or nearer to help.

If this was the day and hour and minute for that pipe to break, I believe, after hearing all of the stories, that Divine Intervention prevented a more serious tragedy.  God in is the public schools, even if He isn't invited.  He is watching over.  Schools are a safe place, with an established, comfortable routine. That incident, though, is a reminder that tragedy can happen anytime, anywhere. So, the other lesson: Don't take life for granted.  Appreciate each day and use it to the fullest; at the very least increase your appreciation and decrease your criticisms. 

Life is a gift. During this Easter/Passover season what a poignant reminder of how precious life is.