7 Jul
Who is in control – SHAMU?
This summer, I had the privilege of going to Student Leadership University [SLU] in Orlando, Florida. SLU is a youth camp for student leaders. One of the highlights of the week was going to Sea World.
We got a chance to see dolphins, sharks, turtles, and polar bears, but the true highlight and top attraction of Sea World is SHAMU. It finally came time for the big SHAMU spectacular.
We were all filing into SHAMU Stadium headed for our seats in the splash zone. I think everyone in the park could tell that all of us were stoked to get soaked.
The show began with the trainers coming out riding whales around the pool – but no sign of SHAMU. At that moment, my new goal in life was to become a SHAMU trainer, until the trainers came out of the pool doing what they called the SHAMU dance.
We, being crazy students, joined in with this crazy, lame dance. I guess the dance worked because SHAMU finally made her appearance. As she started to swim out, we all erupted screaming at the top of our lungs SHAMU, SHAMU, SHAMU. She was massive! We were so ready for the big whale to soak us all.
The trainer gave the signal and SHAMU began to swim in circles around the pool. Circle after circle, this went on for at least 15 minutes. As we waited and waited, finally the head trainer ran out and began to explain what was happening. The fact is the trainers really don’t have any control over SHAMU. She can do whatever she wants to do. This gigantic mammal was in complete control of the show and on this day the splash zone stayed dry!
I must admit at times I can relate to being a trainer. I have the show all planned out, I have an agenda, I have a schedule, and I have a plan of what I want to happen in my life, just like SHAMU’s trainers.
I need to remember that God is in control and that no matter what, the show is eventually going to come down to God. What I want to think is best isn’t always the right thing. I have to make adjustments in my life because God is in control and for His plans to work out, I have to totally surrender to Him. Sometimes I like to be like the trainer and run the show. I can’t control God.
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Filed in: Responding to God, Trust
About the Author
Luke Harper is a 15-year old student at Metro Christian Academy in Nashville, where he is active in football, basketball, and soccer. In his free time, he loves to watch ESPN, Dallas Mavericks, LSU TIGERS, Titans and enjoys hanging out with friends. He loves road trips, youth trips, mission trips, eating pancakes, and chillaxin. You can reach Luke on facebook.
