I recently spent a few days sitting on the beautiful shoreline of Orange Beach, Alabama. It was a calm day on the Gulf Coast, perfect for relaxing under your umbrella or wading into the rolling waves.
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I was sitting in my beach chair gazing out at the horizon when moving objects caught my attention in the distance: a school of dolphins doing their trademark leaps, arcing above the surface. They looked so cute and playful from that distance as they glided across the horizon.
Unexpected perspective
About half an hour later I was getting pretty warm, so I decided to stroll into the shallows to cool off. A woman about 15 feet away suddenly screamed. I turned just in time to see a dolphin bounding in and out of the water very close to both of us, not more than a few yards away. From that near view, I was stunned at the size and muscular physique of the creature. So much larger than I realized.
No longer cute and playful, it looked powerful and intimidating, a completely different impression from the distant view of the beach. It looked like it could easily knock me down and do whatever it wanted with me. Fortunately, the dolphin showed little interest and continued on its way.
A bit shaken, I made my way back to the beach chair. As I thanked God for protecting me, it occurred to me that my experience kind of resembled one’s relationship with the Lord — from a distance God looks smaller, and convenient and manageable. But as you get closer to Him, you begin to realize His dominating presence, His power, His love and His control.
What He is not
God is not your playful buddy — He is the almighty and perfect Architect of the universe, and you are part of His plan. He loves you unselfishly but also commands your respect for His authority.
Watching dolphins from a distance is fascinating and fun. Watching God from a distance is misleading and futile. Make sure you get close enough to know the big God, because He controls the waters of your life.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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