It was as if the dark shadow beneath the water sensed that it was being stared at and was about to be recognised because in the next instant, the water churned and spat with unfathomable power and the dark shadow was no longer just a dark shadow. The thick, muscular back breached the surface of the water, wings flapping menacingly as the beast turned to face me and, with one frighteningly powerful flick, the dagger sharp tail flew out of the water finally betraying the massive stingray for what it was.

Quick as a flash I stabbed at the film advance on my grandpa’s old camera, spun the focus ring with more than a little desperation, hit the shutter and hoped against hope. Thankfully the moment had been caught, burned forever into the negative. What a stunningly beautiful creature in all its fearful glory. And what a giant! Look at the pelican in the photo behind the stingray for a bit of perspective. Funny how much fear us humans can feel looking at such a terrifying creature, while it was probably the one feeling the most fear in our brief encounter! And rightly so, too. Animals have learned to fear us. A very real indictment on the human race when you think about it.

Moments later the mood of the scene in front of me flipped on its head as three enormous and incredibly majestic pelicans carelessly floated past, gazing at me fleetingly with casual disinterest. Again the camera fired and another moment of God’s creation was captured, to be admired later again and again. The delicate pink skin that made up their huge beaks was breathtaking, as was the size of their wings as they hopped out of the water and waddled over to a local fisherman, hoping for something tasty from that kind person. There was no fear in this encounter. Nice to know that trust can be won when it is deserved.

It’s impossible for me to witness such natural beauty and not think about God. 

Psalm 104:24-25 reads, “O Lord, what a variety of things you have made!  In your wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small.” (NLT)

How awe inspiring God, our creator, is. Truly we should praise Him!