January 2, 2019 – Click here to listen
My sons and I went fishing a couple of times while they were at my home over the holidays and on the last day, we were returning from being far offshore when we saw a huge humpback whale surface. It is uncommon to see one of these big fellows in these waters, especially in a mere 40 feet of water where we first saw it come up for air. I don’t know how tall it was, but as for the length, my boat is approximately 40 feet long and the whale looked longer. We were very close to the inlet and I was concerned that it might get beached in such shallow water but was happy to see it heading back out to deeper water at a rapid clip. It surfaced not far from the boat and jumped and splashed its tail a few times allowing us a fascinating look.
So where was this whale going?
Only God knows the answer to that one. I believe with all my heart God was smiling right along with us as He watched that magnificent creature jumping and splashing its tail. I imagine him smiling quite often as he watches his creatures and their antics. The same holds true with those fabulous sunrises and sunsets.
When we got back to my dock, we were washing the boat and cleaning fish and several porpoises surfaced adjacent to the boat. All four visiting grandchildren got good looks at them and their radiant joyful smiles were similar to what I envision God’s to be.
Every morning wave after wave of white ibis fly down the river as they leave their roost in search of breakfast. There are hundreds and hundreds of them flying right above the surface of the river in formation. More smiles for me and God!
We are made in God’s own image. So, I’m confident that not all that He sees makes Him smile. He sees the wicked sins of the world as well as the hate, death, grief, violence, and destruction that accompanies it. I’m sure He is sad sometimes and without question weeps. The Bible states that Jesus wept.
Having spent a lifetime in the great outdoors observing the wonders of His handiwork I believe God smiles more often than not. Not surprisingly what makes God smile makes me smile and what makes Him weep makes me weep. I think the key to being as happy as we can muster is to focus on the good things in life and not even think about the haters and the injustice.
One sunny beautiful day God will remove all sin forever and therein lies our hope. In the meantime, look around at the wonders God has established that we can enjoy today – Right now! Think about the things of God and focus on our Savior.
So, what are the things of God?
Phil. 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.