I just witnessed the most magnificent breaching of a humpback whale from my lanai as I was leisurely enjoying my breakfast. I've seen whales quite frequently this season, even saw some yesterday by the pier with one of my students as we were sitting on the sea wall talking. But this one topped it all. And I was the only person to see it from this view.
Afterwards, I ran to get my camera because I thought it would be awesome to catch a whale breaching on camera to brag about how great I have it here in Hawaii. But the whale was finished with the show and did not resurface for an encore. And as I was still waiting with my camera in position, I felt the Lord gently rebuke me. "That was something special between you and me, Jillian," he said. "Why would you want to ruin the moment by running off to get your camera, only so you might boast of your situation?" He was right. The joy and sheer pleasure of witnessing such a beautiful show in God's Creation was cut short the moment I ran for my camera. It became a task rather than a moment to relish the relationship I have with the Creator of both the whale and me! He's been teaching me a lot lately about the preciousness of personal relationship with him. While my heart's desire is to share him with the world, there are times we need just between him and I, just like any human relationship... Simple stuff perhaps, but I guess I needed the reminder today.
So... no photos of the whale, but that's okay because I know you can have your own special moment between you and Jesus, and it will be much more special than seeing a second-hand one from a proud and boastful Jillian who is still learning the art of humility and simple enjoyment of moments such as these (and isn't a gifted photographer, anyway!)
My prayer is that we would all be able to recognize those special moments with our Creator for what they are - moments to be in awe of who he is and to receive the love he has for us. May we never cheapen them to anything less.
Jillian
