It has been a strange summer, no question about it. I do not remember such a rain-filled time in all the years that I have lived in Vermont. Yes, the lake is high; the swimming is good, but the sun hasn’t shone for two days in a row and the temperature is rather chilly. Tonight, I made note that the Florida ocean is warmer at 90⁰ than the 70⁰ lake. Refreshing if the temp is 92⁰, not so much if it is 60⁰. 

However, it is not the weather that I want to write about today. I have been reading a long book this summer – Beach Music by Pat Conroy. I have been reading it very slowly because I must use a book holder as the book is so large that I have difficulty holding it with my hands. So, while I wait for something to boil on the stove, I read a few pages. There are several story lines which are complicated and not what I want to tell you about.  

It’s the turtles and Lucy the mother’s thoughts. Lucy is the unofficial guardian of the Loggerhead turtles that come to lay their eggs along her South Carolina beach each year. She is a valiant defender of this endangered species. She watches over the eggs, guards them from predators and then assists them to make their run to the sea. While watching the hatchlings scurry to the ocean, she remarks to her granddaughter Leah, “that every time I see this, I feel like I’ve discovered God all over again.” 

We have turtles here in the lake. I know this because I can see their noses sticking up out of the water when it is calm, usually at sunset. Just their noses, little triangular shapes floating out in the water and then disappearing down in the depths looking for supper. Sometimes it is only one, all alone in this big cove; sometimes several, widely spaced and hunting for food. One time, I came upon a whole family of little ones lined up and sunning on a log near the shore-just like a photograph. It was enchanting. 

I don’t feel that I need to be the turtle guardian, but I do feel like I discover God with every sighting. Turtles are amazing creatures. They pop up, take a breath and pop down to swim swiftly to the next spot. They can tread water for long periods of time while they quietly observe what is all around them. The slightest movement causes them to disappear in an instant and appear several yards away. And what about their ability to carry their homes on their backs? Wow!  

Only a Power Greater than I could ever cause such a miracle to exist. Only a God who loves unconditionally would even want to create such a marvel. The wonders that surround me keep me re-discovering God all the time. If you have doubts, find a turtle and believe.  

Remember that God loves you unconditionally. “You Lord, You alone are Lord. You made the heavens and the stars of the sky. You made the land and sea and everything in them; you gave life to all.” Nehemiah 9:6. 

Terri