On our recent anniversary trip, my wife and I enjoyed watching dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. We took a fast boat ride not far offshore and had dolphins jumping in the wake behind the motor. I’m sure there’s some natural benefit for a dolphin flying in and out of the water like that, but it looked like these guys were just having fun!
We know dolphins are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform amazing tricks. Remember, Flipper? She had her own T.V. show. You may not know this, but our U. S. Navy actually trains dolphins to help patrol our harbors, and some can even locate and disable underwater mines!
Now dolphins are technically mammals, and they generally come up out of the water several times a minute to breathe. This breathing all happens through their blowhole on top of their back. God has designed them to be able to open their mouths to catch fish underwater without drowning.
But have you wondered how these beautiful creatures sleep? Because you would think if you were tired enough and fell asleep, you’d forget to come up for air and drown. However, a dolphin expert explained to us that these animals have an incredible system in which one half of their brain sleeps while the other half keeps up the swimming, breathing, and looking out for danger. After a time, they switch duties, so the other half of the brain can rest. Miraculous!
And to think God spoke these and all sea life into existence in a moment recorded in Genesis 1:20-21: “So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm.” I’m fascinated by dolphins and even more so by their all-powerful Creator. To God be the glory!
