Algonquin Otters

A number of years ago, Janice and I did some canoeing in the Hailstorm Marsh just off the north-west arm of Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Park. Early that morning, we were transported by water-taxi from the south end of the lake and dropped off on a sandy point at the entrance to the marsh.

We quickly off-loaded our canoe and packs and pushed off for a great day of paddling. This area was particularly known for the moose that would frequent it's shallow waters to eat water lilies and other plant life. We kept our eyes peeled for these beautiful woodland creatures.

After paddling for about an hour, I was startled when a small otter popped its' head up through the sun-sparkled surface of the water. As it quickly ducked out of site another head popped up on the opposite side of our canoe closer to Jan. This second otter quickly dove below the surface just before a third otter appeared near the stern as I completed a "J" stroke and lifted my paddle from the water.

We both stopped paddling and quietly waited for a repeat performance. We were not disappointed. They entertained us for about twenty minutes. At times separately and at other times rolling together in a living ball of shear joy and delight. You couldn't distinguish one from the other. They would chase each other, sliding in and out of the water, darting effortlessly through the plant life of the marsh. Their free abandon and obvious enjoyment of each other was amazing. I smiled all that day and even now as I remember this gift from God.

Three of the drawings I have posted on my blog were inspired by this experience. I truly believe that God gave us a glimpse of Himself through these playful otters. If He is a "God of Love" then He must have loving relationships within Himself. He is one being made up of three persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As the otters rolled together in that tight ball, it gave me a small yet imperfect glimpse of the three persons within God. One aspect of the Trinity had been revealed to me. Within God you find loving, playful, and supportive relationships that should be the ultimate model for our families and for all our relationships.

When looking at the illustrations you will see within "God-the-Father" an endless circular design the symbolizes His eternal existence. Within the drawing of "God-the-Son" you will see the form of a fish - a Christian symbol. The Greek acronym that spells "fish" represented the phrase "Jesus Christ our Savoir". And in the last drawing of "God-the-Holy Spirit" you will see the shape of an empty cross. Jesus had to die and rise again from the cross before the Spirit could be sent to those who put their faith and trust in Him.