SEA TURTLE LESSONS

We can learn lessons from so many of God’s wonderful creations. I am in awe of God, the Creator, as I see numerous connections with His masterpieces.

 

Slow down.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  –Luke 10:38-42  (ESV)

It is important for us to slow down from the demands of this world. Like Martha, we can become distracted by the things that we have to do. Jesus reminds us that we need to slow down to commune with Him and just be. When we are silent, we can better hear His voice leading and guiding our path.

Make time for the beach.

You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.  –Nehemiah 9:6  (NIV)

God made everything in this world from the beginning. Looking around, can you see all the beauty in each creation? I believe that making time for the beach can translate to seeing the magnificent splendor that surrounds us with both the inanimate creation and human beings that God made. We are so blessed to be able to praise and worship the Creator!  

 

Come out of your shell.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  –Romans 12:10-15  (NIV)

While researching a little about sea turtles, I learned that they cannot retract their flippers or heads into their shells. I see this feature as an encouragement for us to continually be devoted to others in love. We should try to be aware of those in need, ready to give a helping hand whether in action, verbally, or in prayer. Sometimes it takes courage to step out in faith.   

Age gracefully.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”  –Psalm 92:12-15  (NIV)

As we age gracefully, I believe we grow in wisdom, understanding, and righteousness. If we keep Jesus at the center of our lives, though the numbers say we are older, we can continue to flourish and bear good fruit. Our circumstances change, but if our foundation is built on the Rock, Jesus, we know He will always guide and lead us.

Enjoy the view.

 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  –1 Timothy 6:17-19  (NIV)

God has given us everything in this world to help us enjoy the view. There is the natural world He formed to the people who journey with us to the opportunities we have to share the Light of Christ with others. Our view and the hope we have is based on God and His goodness. In helping and sharing with those in our path,  we enjoy life to the fullest and are accumulating treasures in heaven.    

 

 

Be encouraged this week to be like a sea turtle and…

…make time to slow down a little each day.

…revel in the beauty of creation while praising the Creator.

…step out and take action to help others.

…see how you can flourish and bear good fruit.

…enjoy the view along your path.

 

REFLECTION:

Which sea turtle trait do you need to work on the most?
In what way are you most like a sea turtle?

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.  –Genesis 1:21  (NIV)