Unexpected Wonders

This is a picture of a Blue Button jellyfish. I took this photo at the Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama on February 1, 2023. It looks extra-terrestrial, right? It’s interesting, but not at all what I was expecting to see that day.

I was expecting to hike, explore the caves, and walk the beach, yes, but I wasn’t expecting to see the rare Blue Button. I’ve been fortunate to spend a fair amount of time in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and I’ve seen a lot of jellyfish, just not a Blue Button.

I’m more of a beach type of gal. Usually with a book. And a cold drink.

This is where I have to tell you that I’m claustrophobic, so I don’t normally do caves. I’ve paid admission to waaaay more than my fair share of caves, I just usually chicken out at the last minute. Reading up on this park I found that it has two caves, and I really hadn’t planned on going in them. However, the caves are easily accessible, and given that I didn’t plan to scuba dive through the caves…ahh, seriously, who are those people?

And I certainly wasn’t expecting to hear my friend, Michele, break out into praises for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Michele was alone in the cave when I heard her start singing, so I scrambled for my phone to capture what I could. She has an absolutely beautiful voice! Listen to the video twice, and during your second listen, find her expression at the end. She claps her hands together and says “yeah”! That is so Michele! I love that she is filled with such love for Jesus and blessed with a beautiful way to express it.

Following the cave exploration and a short hike, we did have a great walk on beautiful Gold Rock Beach, then lunch at Banana Bay.

A day with sweet friends, a nature hike, caves, beaches, a blue button, and lunch with a view, hmmmm, I have to say that the caves were most memorable. When I woke up on the morning of February first, I would have told you that spending time on the beach with friends was going to be the highlight of my day, but I’d have been wrong. (Don’t tell my husband!)

February 1, 2023 is a great reminder that I’m not in control. Even retired, I wake up most mornings (around 9:00!) thinking that I know the plan for the day, but Proverbs 16:9 reminds me of the truth: “In his heart man plans his course, but the Lord establishes his steps”.

I’m thankful for Scripture reminding me who is really in control! When was the last time the Lord showed you something you didn’t expect to see or hear?