Oohh and Aahh

Today we went to the Shedd Aquarium. While we were there we watched the dolphin show...we've seen it dozens of times--and its always one of our favorite parts of the trip--but today we watched it with new eyes. This was due to the fact that the audience included a very large grade-school field-trip. Each time the dolphins would jump, breach, tail walk, or splash in the water, these grade school kids would "oohh" and "aahh". We laughed to ourselves at the obvious delight these children received at the sight of these trained mammals bidding every command of their trainers. A slight move of the hand, a short whistle, a slap on the water was all that was needed to send the dolphin to do a task that it has done 1000 times before. As I reflect back on the experience I am challenged in a number of ways... First, I am too easily underwhelmed by those things that should overwhelm me. These children reminded me to take delight in God's creation and wonder at His handiwork. Second, I think of how prone I am to wander--or how difficult it is for me at times to obey. These "simple creatures" seem to take such delight in following the wishes of their trainers. The dolphins don't need but a slight instruction and they're off to do it. Am I, who should be so much more grateful for God's prefect gifts in my life, ready to get up each morning and incline my will to His in obedience to His revealed purpose for my life? Thirdly, I hope that as those around me observe my life and my family, that they are amazed at what they see God is doing in our home--Not for the applause of men, but to bring glory to my Father in heaven as through the work of His Son and the empowering of His Spirit we accomplish things in this world that make the people around us "oohh" and "aahh".