Calm in the Midst of Chaos

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    Sonok Pintuyan, Philippines January 2020



        In Sonok Pintuyan, a village in the Philippine Islands, we had the opportunity to swim alongside the biggest fish in the sea - the whale shark.  On average, they can grow to a whopping 18 meters in length, equal to ten grown men laid head to foot!  Even though they are enormous creatures, whale sharks are not easy to locate in the wild.  In some places, the local fisherman have capitalized on the appetites of these filter-feeding beasts and continuously feed them in order to keep them around. Here, however, the local people do not feed the whale sharks, but simply bring tourists to see them when the whale sharks happen to be in the area during their migration.  We asked a local guide and his three canoe-rowing spotters to come along with us in our search.  Would we be lucky enough to see one?

Suddenly, a shout came from one of the spotters! We rushed over in our dinghy, frantically pulling on our masks and fins.  Large boats lined with tourists followed, and the race was on.  Once in position, we hopped over the side of the dinghy and looked below us.  Bright white spots on a dark silhouette slowly came into view.  The graceful giant steadily swished its tail, while we snorkelers above kicked desperately to keep up.  Everyone was clambering to get the best view and the best photo, causing a crowd of chaos on the surface.  Below, however, the whale shark swam along effortlessly in a silent serenity, not at all stressed or concerned about the fins splashing above. Its calmness captivated me.


       As I look back on this moment, it occurs to me that I find myself swimming in a sea of chaos right now.  There are things happening on the surface that are completely beyond my control.  It is a turbulent time.  People are frantic, scared.  No one knows how this pandemic will progress or when life might start looking normal again.  There are more questions than answers.  But even amidst of all the chaos, let me remain calm.  Steady.  Focus my heart and mind on the hope and peace that can only be found in You.

 Philippians 4:5-7

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