One fringe benefit of being an MK teacher in Zamboanga was the city's seaside site. I went swimming often, yet it was 15 years before I discovered the beautiful underwater world.
One day I was urged to look through an underwater mask. Standing on a large piece of coral rock I peered into the vestibule of a whole new world. Subsequently, I went out and bought myself a snorkel and mask which have netted me countless hours of pleasure as I study God's amazing creation beneath the surface of the water.
In coral crannies I have often spied the gently waving, long, sharp spines of the sea urchin. From experience, I know that if the sharp points get stuck in my flesh they are quite painful. But I notice that the urchins do not pursue me; they only protect themselves. So one day, as I calmly floated above a cluster, I was able to observe the beautiful jewels amid the spines.
The sharp spines and tentacles of terrorism, kidnapping and political uncertainty in Zamboanga City also framed lovely, shining jewels: a small child holding my hand and declaring, "You are my best friend," because that day she found God's unspeakable gift of salvation. Another, about to leave permanently, declaring, "I'll see you again," for here she first heard and believed that heaven is real.
We are instructed to "taste and see that the Lord is good." So many times, however, we live on the surface, oblivious to the beauty that is ours for the seeking. Snorkeling has become my favorite sport, finding God's hidden gems, a life-long pursuit.
E. SNYDER
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