Dolphins

Dolphins

One of my favorite mammals is the dolphin. They seem to me to always be laughing and having such a good time. They frolic and play and seem to delight in being alive. I’ve watched them perform in captivity and they seem to love the attention. The dolphins in captivity have learned to wave with their fins, jump through hoops, swim upright in the water on their tails, splash the crowd when they slap their tails on the water and do numerous other tricks. They display a real capacity for learning. In the wild, however, these wonderful creatures appear to be equally intelligent.

Some time ago I read an article in People magazine about a pod of dolphins that surrounded some swimmers at a beach in New Zealand. The swimmers wondered what was happening because the dolphins kept circling them and slapping their tails on the water. They crowded closer and closer and the swimmers began to wonder if the dolphins were going to attack them. It was then that they saw, swimming just outside the dolphins surrounding them, a large shark. Instantly they knew that the dolphins were there to save them from the shark and not to attack them. As they continued to circle the swimmers the dolphins slowly herded they closer to shore. When the swimmers reached safety the dolphins swam away. Pretty amazing.

That’s not the first time I’ve heard about dolphins saving humans, however. There have been many stories over the years about how they’ve helped humans survive in the ocean. They seem to have an affinity with humans and they seem to be very protective of human life. What a marvelous friend to have in a vast sea that can be so threatening.

As I ponder the intelligence these mammals display I am again reminded of the intelligence behind and in all of life. And I think of the Source of this intelligence; God. What a never-ending supply of creativity is expressed in our world and through the creatures of our planet. For me, dolphins are another of the many gifts of a generous God.

God of the Oceans and Waves,

Thank you for the wonder of your creations, the dolphins in particular. They seem to be full of joy and life and have a capacity for assisting humans. What a special gift they are.

The Awe-inspiring Experience of Nature

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