As idyllic as the sights and sounds of the nearby ocean can be, lately we?re experiencing the unforgettable racket that accompanies the annual visit of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Somewhere between a bark and a roar, it?s a sound you can?t attribute to many, if any, other creatures.
They?re huge - I?m told that males can weigh in at 454 kilograms or more (1,000 pounds plus) while females can tip the scales at 110 kilograms (242 pounds). That?s what I?ve read, but there are some locals who have told me those numbers are sometimes doubled. In any case, they?re big.
Our home is located just minutes from the breakwater where these visitors stretch their sleek brown bodies across the massive rocks that jut out into the Pacific. Several times I?ve headed down to watch them; observing anything that big drag its massive body across and around the boulders is nothing less than fascinating. But as well as fascinating, it?s purposeful. Our recent visitors kept to the rocks as their enemies, transient Orca whales, passed by. Once that danger had passed the warm-blooded mammals began their quest for the highest spot on the breakwater ? the signal that they?d achieved ?king of the castle? status. Power and position - what better reasons for making a lot of noise!
This week I?ve been thinking a lot about sea lions and people. May God deliver us from displaying some of those same characteristics; from being folks who, unlike these animals who simply obey their God-given instincts, trumpet self-importance and vie for power with no concern for the welfare of others.
?Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble ? God's servants must not be troublemakers ? Be humble when you correct people who oppose you.? (2 Timothy 2:23-25)
Bark loudly, sea lions! Speak kindly, people!
