The Wonders of God’s Creation
“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.” Colossians 1:16.
The migration of gray whales is an outstanding event each year. As summer changes into fall they become restless in the northern waters, and soon groups of females leave their companions for a 6,000-mile swim to Mexico. The younger ones soon follow, and last of all the males. All are heading south, and they don’t get lost for the Lord God, their Creator, is guiding them.
Within a month or so Alaska is far behind them, and they have traveled past the coasts of Canada, on to Washington and Oregon, then to California, swimming day and night with only occasional brief rest stops.
In all these areas people are out in small boats or standing on high cliffs with field glasses and cameras, thrilled at seeing these interesting mammals “fluking,” which is the start of a deep dive. The whale’s body turns straight down, forcing its huge tail out of the water — a thrilling sight. They also seem to enjoy “breaching” — when they leap completely out of water and drop back with a terrific splash. Sometimes one will lift only its immense tail out of water and whack it back down with tremendous force and noise.
Surprisingly, whales do not seem to mind people watching them, except that a mother with her little one should be left alone. Actually, they seem to enjoy human visitors and often come alongside a small boat to be stroked and patted in a friendly way.
By December or January they have reached the coast of Mexico, and they remain there until March or April before making the long trip back north. It is in the warm lagoons of Mexican shores that little ones (calves) are born. These are born underwater where they would promptly drown if the mother did not boost them up to the top for their first breath of air. Since she can’t tell her baby (which weighs about half a ton) “don’t try to breathe until we get up to the air,” how do you suppose they both know this? It is just another of the wonders of God’s creation, for He has given both mother and baby the instinct that preserves its life at this critical time.
It is quite common to refer to migrations as “instinct,” but it should always be remembered that it is a God-given instinct, passed along from generation to generation, and that He does not for a moment neglect nor fail to guide them while on these journeys.
He has taken pleasure in all He has created and, as the Psalmist expresses it, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalms 145:9. Have you ever thanked Him for His goodness and mercies to you?
ML-11/26/1989