Fish Story

With a gentle calmness and quiet curiosity, the big fish swims to the end of the tank to greet the little boy. It does not swim off and hide like the other fish. It is not nervous, jittery or fearful, like its companions. It appears confident and unruffled, exhibiting a tranquility that seems uncommon to fish.

The boy stares eye-to-eye at the fish, then runs to the other side of the tank. The fish follows. The boy runs back again. The fish chases after the boy like a puppy chasing after its owner. The boy stops and looks intently at the fish. The fish stares back. The boy shows the water creature its new toy. The fish eyes the toy with interest. The boy talks to the fish. The fish listens intently.

The connection between the fish and the boy seems uncanny. While the other fish are consumed with self-preservation and staying close to protective crevices, the white fish appears to be more interested in things beyond itself. It shows no fear. It seems eager to connect with the outside world.

Just like this white fish, we need to learn to walk through life with a gentle curiosity about people, about creatures unlike ourselves, and about God. When artist Natalie Totire saw this photograph, she said, "There is just something admirable and attractive about animals that take an active interest in humans and what they're doing. It's almost an example of how we should act toward God."

May the Holy Spirit strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and give you grace to take an active interest in what God the Father is doing today.

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