It’s so easy to get discouraged. Look around this world and see the hate, the meanness, the pollution, threats of disease, the level of savage selfishness, earthquakes, economic ruin, a host of other ills plaguing our world. It’s not much of a stretch to think there is no God, or that there is, but He has somehow abandoned us.
Except.
If you look closer, to the details, to the quiet, unobtrusive beauty and surprise that surrounds us, it is easier still to be reassured. I spent one hour snorkeling Frederiksted pier the other day, and all hope, all joy has been restored. The sun was warm as it ducked in and out from behind a succession of high, fluffy clouds. The water was cool, inviting. The world beneath the surface was somewhere between magical and sublime.
A loggerhead turtle, not common in St. Croix’s waters, played among the barnacled ruins of an old dock. He came up to breathe as I floated above him, surfacing not far from me before returning to his deep playground. As I watched the loggerhead regain the depths under the old dock, a spotted eagle ray ‘flew’ by. Graceful and sleek, the ray slid by effortlessly without heed of me.
The two magnificents move away, leaving me to study all the life that clings to the cement columns. I’ve not the skills to name the uncountable species of sponges, anemones, and other plants and animals that call these columns home. My ability rests solely in observation, fascination, awe. I love the colors, the textures, the surprise of variety displayed in front of me. I stop kicking and float, watching my view change as the sun breaks through cloud and brine – acting like a spotlight to highlight something I’d not noticed before.
A small fish, I recognize its blue head and yellow body as a wrasse, darts out from a hiding place. A larger, more majestic blue tang swims by. Now I spy a squid, his odd propulsion looks like fringe ruffling in the current.
I drift. I pray, sending a depth of gratefulness I can’t put words to beyond myself, beyond this amazing sea scape in front of me. My soul reaches out with a renewed understanding that the Creator of this beauty hasn’t abandoned us. He gives us glimpses every day of His capabilities and His promise.
I kick gently and round a corner for a different view and God speaks to me. I blink away tears and stare at His message of love.
