We parked the car on the hill above Capitola’s famed Cement Boat, unloaded the dogs and picked up the binoculars, and walked to a nearby bench. As my friend Susan and I sat and talked, we scanned the ocean, watching. “There’s one” … “oh, look, over there …”

We trained our eyes on two boats, one a larger whale-watching vessel, people standing all along the side; the other a small dinghy with four or five persons in it. With their enormous camera lens and tripod, as well as their close proximity to the whales, we surmised they were photographing the creatures for a wildlife segment. I wondered at times whether that behemoth would just flip that little boat over … but he never did.

We sat on the crest of the cliff, enjoying the salty sea air, listening to the waves crest and break, hearing sounds of laughter and conversation from below. Awe captured us as we watched the beauty and enormity of this part of God’s creation.

Seeing these creatures of the deep in perspective with the two boats blew me away. At least one beast was longer than the larger of the two boats. Swallowing the prophet Jonah live would not have been a leap for these big guys. Susan and I watched in amazement as they surfaced, jaws open, to swallow the sardines they sought and found, water pouring out of their enormous mouths.

Wow!

This morning Don and I looked out the window to see “our” covey of quail busily hunting for worms in our yard. They are such fun to watch. They too give me a picture of our Creator’s care for us. There are always two or three scouts sitting on the fence, watching to ensure no predators are heading toward the covey as the birds scurry about on the ground. How do they know whose turn it is to keep watch? Somehow God has instilled an innate pattern or system into these little critters so they know what to do.

This has been a very difficult week for our nation. One group against another; hatred, violence, misunderstanding, “spin.” Yet we are all created in the image of God. His creation reminds me that He is still sovereign over this world, from the tiny quail, to the enormous humpback whale, to each of us, including those persons who deal in hatred and anger. God is sovereign, the great I AM; and one day, all will be made right. Meanwhile, I am reminded that the only way I can be at peace myself, or bring hope to my circles of influence, is to keep my focus on Jesus and on the grace, love and hope found in Him.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 NIV

QUESTION: What keeps you afloat during these times of turmoil?