God’s Magnificent Creation

Back in 2005, there was a touching story on the cover of the San Francisco Chronicle about the rescue of a Humpback whale. This whale had somehow gotten tangled up in a mess of crab traps and lines. It wrapped around her mouth, body, and tail – keeping her so weighed down she struggled to stay near the surface.

Spotted by a fisherman, a rescue team was called onto the scene. They worked for hours risking their own lives, eventually even diving in the water with her to cut the lines. Once the Whale was set free, the divers described a joyous scene. The whale swam in circles coming back toward each one of them as if to say thank you. The man who cut the rope from her mouth said that her eye was following him the entire time and that he will never be the same.

It is beautiful to think about a whale capable of expressing gratitude. It’s moving. It’s a testament to God’s magnificent creation to witness the intelligence and curiosity of this enormous mammal. And it is nothing less than amazing to ponder this moment of communion between the two species.

All of this puts life into perspective for me. It reminds me that we are simply a part of something much bigger, a vast and interconnected world, held together by the grace and love of God.

Let us pray: God of Love, we thank you again for your beautiful and inspiring creation; for moments of transcendence, awe, and wonder. Thank you for our own place within your creative design, and for the ability to share life with others. Expand our hearts and open our spirits that we would be ever tuned to your presence. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.