Sand dunes are popular places, not only for their distant beauty, but because they are fun to climb, slide down or take close-up pictures of their interesting shapes, contrasted in shadow and sunlight.
In the previous issue, some North American dunes were mentioned. The Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado is also an extremely attractive area with some of its dunes almost eight hundred feet high. The Hawaiian Islands also have several. The big Mo’omome dune on the island of Molokai is an outstanding example with unusual vegetation and wildlife.
A person would be foolish to go out on the brilliant White Sand dunes of New Mexico without dark glasses and plenty of sunscreen on exposed skin. Eyes can be seriously damaged and skin badly burned by reflected sunlight from the pure-white surface, which actually is not sand, but gypsum.
In fact, extreme caution should be taken when exploring any dunes. In addition to the hazards of exposure to the sun, people can be easily lost. It is wise to keep a landmark visible at all times so a person can find his way back safely.
There are many more dunes in the western states, including some on the Washington, Oregon and California seacoasts, as well as a massive group in Nevada and other inland places. In some of these the dunes make a zooming, airplane-like noise when people scuff their feet through the sand or slide down the steep banks.
Where does all the sand come from? In deserts it is usually particles from rocks and shale broken down by storms and winds. Those along the ocean are partly the result of rocks and shells being ground by pounding waves. But rivers and streams also deposit great quantities of sand into the ocean. This sand has originated in their waterfalls, swift rapids and strong currents. Ocean waves sweep most of this on shore, and wind carries it to the dunes from there.
The Creator has placed sand dunes throughout the world as part of His wonderful creation, and they often add special beauty. In the last issue we talked of how sand moves and is not a good foundation to build on. This was an illustration of how we need a good foundation as we go through life, which can only be found when we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour.
A Bible verse says, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:22From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)). Another one explains who that rock is: “Who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?” (Psalm 18:3131For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? (Psalm 18:31)). In these verses the psalmist points us to a firm foundation which is safe for all time and eternity. Make sure God is your Rock!
ML-12/26/2004