To my dear grandchildren,
Hide-and-Seek in Nature (Part 3)
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31).
Not only insects benefit by disguises. The horned lizard has been given a rough, gray skin that blends with the desert ground, concealing it from the enemies. Certain toads, sitting still when danger threatens, also look like the lumps of dirt around them. The gray tree frog can change the colour of its skin to match almost anything on which it rests.
The top fin of the deep-ocean-pink decoy fish looks like a helpless little fish, while the rest of it looks like part of the ocean floor. When a fish comes to grab the "little fish," it becomes a meal instead. Flounders also change colour to match the various ocean floors on which they lie.
The white polar bear blends perfectly with the snow and ice where it lives, and the same is true of arctic hares and foxes. The Creator provides them with white, warm coats in winter.
Spots on a leopard, stripes on a zebra, (did you know that no two zebras have the same pattern of strips), patterns on the skin of a sidewinder rattlesnake, the fur of a mouse and the shell of a tortoise are a few examples of the Creator's special provision for concealing them from enemies or enabling them to capture needed food.
An outstanding underwater disguise is that of the sea dragon, a spectacular resident of Australian waters. Its orange-coloured, strung-out body is covered from mouth to tail's end with big stringers that look like seaweed of that area, sprouting what appears to be yellow and green leaves from every part of its body. When a large fish threatens it, a quick dash through the seaweed provides a good hiding place.
Another underwater example is the anglerfish, which hides in the rocks with only its head showing. Opening its mouth, it wiggles its pink tongue to look like a minnow. When an unsuspecting fish comes to get this tempting meal, the angler snaps its mouth shut and enjoys another treat.
These three articles only skim the surface of all the provisions the Creator has given some of the world's creatures. They cannot help but impress us with the wonders of all that He has brought into the world and has always cared for.
But, more importantly, He counts every person of more value than any other living thing. For us there is a promise of a home in heaven after life here on earth is over, although we cannot go there in our sins. But He graciously tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
When we do this and turn to the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, God forgives our sins and accepts us as His own children, promising us a home in heaven. Have you admitted to Him that you are a sinner?
Love you all,
Grandpa
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