Turtle Rescue

Callie scooted into the passenger seat of her mom's SUV and gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I wanted to practice one more time."Mom smiled. "Today's the day you recite Psalm 23 in front of your Sunday school class, isn't it?""Yes," said Callie with a sigh. "And for some reason I keep forgetting the fourth verse.""Why don't you practice with me?" said Mom. She started the car and pulled onto the long, winding road to church. Callie's face brightened. "Sure!" She cleared her throat. "'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though…though I…'" She shook her head. "It's no use. I always forget--Mom! Stop!"Mom hit the brakes, and with a jolt, the SUV came to a halt. "Look!" said Callie, pointing out the windshield. "A turtle!"Sure enough, a small turtle with a greenish-gray shell was slowly trekking across the road.Callie grabbed a pair of gloves from under her seat and opened the door. "I'll move him to safety before he gets hit by a car." "Just watch out for traffic," replied Mom.Approaching the turtle from behind, Callie firmly grasped its shell with both hands and gently lifted it into the air. "Hold on, little friend," she said softly.She walked quickly toward the lake on the other side of the road. Within seconds, the turtle was safe and sound, swimming among the lily pads.When Callie got back to the car, she was grinning from ear to ear. "Guess what? I remember the next verse! 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.'"Mom laughed. "That turtle was literally walking through the valley of death, wasn't he?""Yes," said Callie. "And just like Jesus is always there to help us, His children, in times of trouble, I was able to help the turtle.""You certainly did," said Mom with a smile. "Ready to head to church?""I am now," said Callie. "All thanks to a turtle!" -Amanda Spino