Over the centuries, sailors traveling on the southern oceans have been surprised to find a lone albatross here or there. Sometimes they are 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 the case.
From the beginning God has given these birds a remarkable sense of direction. Although they may seem to wander aimlessly, apparently they are never 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 11 feet. This allows them to glide and soar great distances for long periods of time. They spend many months away from land, coming to land only to breed. It is assumed they sleep while gliding. When hungry they drop down to catch a fish; when thirsty they drink seawater.
An interesting project during the World War II shows 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 area for hundreds of albatrosses who then interfered with air traffic. The decision was made to capture and remove them. In cages, some were taken 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 they were seen again, as all eventually returned! It was estimated they flew about 300 miles per day in returning to Midway. How did they find their way over such distances?
While flying over remote areas of the ocean, aircraft navigators require sensitive instruments along with radio signals to be sure to stay on course and not get hopelessly lost. How can an albatross cover these many miles soaring so carefree, first in one direction, then in another, and never get lost? The answer is that God has put all this direction-finding ability into its brain. 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 creatures, along with fresh blessings every day. Yet how many people never give Him a thought and some 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 [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)).
OCTOBER 1, 1995
ML-10/01/1995