Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

     If you have been following this column for the past few weeks, you’ll remember that our Australian tour began in Melbourne and worked its way northward through the outback to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. From Ayers Rock, we flew to Cairns along the northeastern part of Australia’s coastline, a great change from the arid outback region of the country.

      One full day was spent on the Great Barrier Reef on board a large ship, which carried us out to an area where it was anchored onto a large fixed pontoon. Snorkels, fins and life jackets were supplied to anyone who wanted to explore the reef within a large roped off area. There were several lifeguards, some in the water on paddle boards and some watching from the deck making sure that everyone was safe. 

      Al and I spent about an hour snorkeling and enjoying the beauty and different varieties of the coral. We saw the wavy shells of enormous clams on the ocean bottom and fish of all colors, sizes and shapes darting around the coral beds, including some that looked like “Nemo.” Small, delicate jellyfish floated in front of our face masks. This variety did not sting, which was a good thing because it was hard to avoid bumping into the little opaque creatures.

       It was a tranquil hour of floating face down in the crystal clear water soaking in the awesome beauty of the sea life underneath and around us. Little did we realize that any skin not covered by ample sunscreen was getting burned by the intense rays of the sun. It was hard to sit down the next day!

      Al and I loved it and would have stayed in the water longer. However, there were many other things to do, including a buffet lunch, a glass bottomed boat ride, a mini tour of the reef on a “submarine,” the viewing area underneath the ship and hands-on experiences with some unusual creatures like sea cucumbers. There was also an optional helicopter ride which provided a great view of the extensive coral beds stretching for miles, protecting the waters along the coastline and creating a perfect habitat for fish, sea turtles, and myriads of other creatures.

     The difference a face mask, a glass bottomed boat or a submerged viewing window made when looking underwater was amazing. A whole new world opened up to view, one which could not be fathomed by peering down from above the water.

      So it is with the spiritual realm. In our day to day journey it often seems difficult to discern God’s will for our lives, to see His hand in circumstances surrounding us, to know that He is alive and real, and to believe that He loves us.  Doubts and questions often obscure Him from view. But one day when we see Him face to face, everything will be crystal clear. The extent of God’s amazing love manifested in His son, Jesus Christ, will be fully revealed, the goal of our faith and hope finally realized. 

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1Corinthians 13:12-13 NIV