Today I saw dolphins!
I’ve lived in Florida for almost two years and finally saw a pod of dolphins swim by.
I’ve heard about all the wildlife that’s seen in the area I live–alligators, wild boars, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and whales depending on the season. But even though I’ve spent a lot of time outside exploring the marshes, swamps, beaches, islands, and waterways, this was the first time I saw something as magnificent as this!
My husband and I were walking down to the beach. He turned to me and said, “Look, dolphins!” I perked up and began scanning the water. After a few moments, I saw it – a fin popped up and gracefully dove back down, making the smoothest, shiniest, most magical arch I’ve ever seen! Then another one. And another. We counted over 10 fins!
This pod leisurely made their way south along the coast. It wasn’t until about 20 minutes later that they were out of sight. Matt and I turned to each other and agreed it was a special moment. We went to the beach today intending to bask in the sun and read books, spending quality time together while we worked. This experience was so much better than we could have imagined.
Both of us are fascinated by nature, and it’s one of the main ways we connect with God. Seeing these majestic creatures and other beautiful parts of the world brings us both to introspection, marveling at our Creator.
Not only that, but watching other people–a less-easy-to-love part of creation–stop and stare at the dolphins caused me to pause for a moment. I saw little toddlers’ eyes widen. I saw grown men lose their aura of intimidation while watching these big fish. People who were walking along the shore counting steps or chasing miles stopped in their tracks.
My love for these people grew today, too.
I often say I experience God in creation and that I draw closer to him through being in creation. What I usually mean by that is nature–mountains, trees, oceans, flowers, etc. But people are part of creation, too. God wasn’t done creating this world until he made us.
I pray that I will see the image of God in all people more and more. Maybe one day I will marvel at them the way I did at these dolphins.
Today I saw dolphins. It was magical. And so are you.
