by Deborah Towles
Synopsis: In the spirit of Solomon, who oft observed parallels between the natural and spiritual realms, Deborah considers lessons from the lifecycle of salmon.
"O LORD, how many are Thy works! In wisdom Thou hast made them all…" (Ps. 104:24). Wisdom was beside God as a "master workman," His "daily delight" and is manifest in the world around us (Prov. 8:12, 22-31). Solomon, the sage of men, spoke of the wisdom to be discovered in trees, animals, birds, creeping things, and fish (1 Kings 4:32-34). Insights gained from such recorded proverbs should whet our appetite for more.
Children love learning about animals! Life science is exciting to them, yet there are abundant and higher spiritual life lessons waiting to be discovered by exploring God's creatures.
Salmon are anadromous, meaning they are hatched in fresh water, live for a time in the ocean, and return to fresh water to spawn. Female salmon lay about 5,000 eggs in protective gravel nests in rivers and streams that flow to the sea. In the relative protection of these nurseries, small fry feed on plankton while camouflaged in the shadows, gradually moving downstream as they grow. When survivors arrive at the estuary that opens to the sea, they undergo significant changes in muscle tissue and scales in final preparation for life in saltwater. The location of their natal stream is imprinted in their sense of smell and direction. Salmon spend five to seven years in the ocean, evading predators, feeding and growing to peak condition before they begin their return trek. They may be in the sea temporarily, but that is not their home. Those who survive the dangers of the ocean undergo drastic changes to face the strong currents and powerful waterfalls of the upstream journey—only the strong can resist the flow. They stop eating and begin absorbing energy from scales, muscles, and fat so that all their energy goes into the single purpose of getting home to spawn, thus ensuring the survival of the species.
Many succumb to weakness, disease or predators—black bears who hunt unseen at night, swooping eagles, stealthy sea lions and otters, seagulls who pluck out the eyes of those exposed in the shallows. The smell of death hangs over the stream, a reminder of the fate of the weak. Eventual death awaits them, but a consuming purpose drives their endurance. After spawning, their decomposing bodies feed the local environment, supporting and ensuring the survival of salmon and a host of other species. Their decline negatively affects the health of a whole ecosystem.
Salmon know where they came from, their purpose and where they are going! Their life is spent in preparation for going home. They undergo changes that help them succeed. With determination and perseverance, they endure dangers and swim against strong currents in pursuit of this consuming goal.
Do we know where we came from (Col. 1:16), our purpose, and where we are going (Eccl. 12:7)? Are we growing and strengthening ourselves for this quest (Eph. 4:15)? Do we realize that, while we live in the world, we are not of the world (John 17:14; Matt. 5:11-12)? Are we undergoing drastic changes to prepare for our homeward journey (Rom. 12:2)? Are we single-minded in our determination of purpose (Ps. 42:1-2; Phil. 3:12) Are we alert to predators and the disguised dangers of our environment (2 Cor. 11:14; 1 Pet. 5:8), or do we succumb to disease, weariness or weakness along the way (Heb. 3:12,17-19; 12:3)? Do we, at times, need to come to our senses to find our way home (Luke 15:17)? Do we allow the strong currents of this world to push us back, or are we using every ounce of our strength to overcome (Heb. 12:1-2)? Do we contribute to the preservation of our families, congregations, and nation by pursuing righteousness (Gen. 18:22-32, Prov. 14:34)? Will we leave anything behind to strengthen and preserve the next generation (Heb. 11:4; 2 Tim. 1:5)?
As we explore the wonders of these amazing creatures through books or videos with our children, we should take time to search out and share the greater wisdom that so delights God! May this all-important goal become our delight, too!
Author Bio: Deborah is the wife of Gale Towles who preaches for the State Line church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. Gale and Deborah have been married 42 years. They have four children and twenty grandchildren. She can be reached at dtowles419@gmail.com.
