“By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.” Colossians 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (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 first for a 6,000-mile swim to Mexico. The younger ones soon follow, and last of all the males. As they head south, 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 west coasts of Canada, on to Washington and Oregon, then to California, swimming day and night with only occasional brief, rest stops.
In many of these areas, people are out in small boats or standing on high cliffs with field glasses and cameras, thrilled at seeing these great 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”—this is when they leap completely out of the water and drop back with a terrific splash. Sometimes one will lift only its immense tail out of the 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 calf 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 the whales 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 where the calves are born underwater. They would promptly drown if the mothers did not boost them up to the top for their first breath of air. Since a mother cannot tell her baby (which weighs about half a ton), “Don’t 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. Most females give birth to a calf every other year.
Migrating is usually referred to as “instinct,” but it should always be remembered that it is a God-given instinct, passed along from generation to generation. God 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 says, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:99The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. (Psalm 145:9)). Have you ever thanked Him for His goodness and mercies to you?
ML-08/23/2015