The Wonders of God’s Creation
Over the centuries sailors traveling on the southern oceans have been surprised to find a lone Albatross here or there, appearing hundreds or even thousands of miles from land. Many have thought these large birds must have been blown out to sea by storms and couldn’t find their way back, but this is not correct.
From the beginning God has given these birds a remarkable sense of direction and, although they may seem to wander aimlessly, they are apparently never in any danger of being lost. They just seem to enjoy being out over the wide ocean expanses. God has supplied them with long, strong, pointed wings with a spread of eleven feet. This allows them to glide and soar great distances for long periods of time. They often spend many months away from land. It is thought that they sleep while gliding,. When hungry they drop down and catch a fish; when thirsty they are able to drink the salty sea water!
An interesting thing happened in the Pacific War showing their sense of direction and ability to fly great distances. The U.S. military established a huge air base at Midway Island in the Pacific, but immediately found this was a favorite spot for hundreds of these birds who then interfered with air traffic. So the decision was made to capture and remove them. Some were taken in cages to the Philippines, over 4000 miles away; some to Whidby Island in Washington State, more than 3000 miles away; and some in other directions. All were banded and released so they could be identified if seen again.
And seen again they were! All eventually returned! It was estimated they flew about 300 miles per day in returning to Midway. How did they ever find their way over such distances?
While flying in remote areas of the ocean, navigators of planes require sensitive instruments along with radio signals to be sure to stay on course and not get hopelessly lost. How can the Albatross, without such helps, cover these many miles soaring so care-free, first in this direction, then in another and never get lost? The answer is that God has put all this direction-finding ability into its head. How helpless man looks with all his instruments, compared with the instincts and abilities given these birds that are in the Creator’s care.
God has given mankind an intelligence far above other created things, along with fresh blessings every day. Yet how many there are who never give Him a thought and some even intentionally turn away from Him. It makes us think of what Job said; “What is man, that Thou shouldest magnify him? and that Thou shouldest set Thine heart upon him? And that Thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try (watch over) him every moment?” Job 7:17,1817What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? 18And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment? (Job 7:17‑18).
ML-11/30/1980