Church and a visit to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

(photo copyright Sage Ross)

Friday, after completing some work in Chicago, I was able to visit the Shedd Aquarium with my daughter, both of us for the first time.

I was struck by several things which might have something to do with church:

1. The variety of creatures and colors was astonishing, as you can see from the above photo of the Wild Reef exhibit. We have an idea of what colors “go together.” Creation is much more diverse. This may say something to how we develop our communities. Ministry is not about all being the same.
2. Habitats are at risk. Just as sea and river creatures face changing conditions, so do we who are a part of the church. But we might be more able to adapt than a sea cucumber. We’ve got big, creative brains.
3. Water is important. It’s essential to life even for those of us who don’t live in it. For Christians, of course, the water of baptism is an essential part of our practice.
4. Looking into some of the small exhibits made me dizzy. I had to look up and farther away to get my balance back. And the best perspective came in the pools with the dolphins and beluga whales. They were constructed so you look right out across the water and out the window onto Lake Michigan, all the way to the horizon. I’d love for church leaders to keep that unlimited perspective. It’s energizing.Photo copyright Fritz Geller-Grimm