But here is the remarkable thing: Some time after whaling was prohibited, although still within the same generation of whales that were hunted, the creatures became extremely gentle and open toward their human visitors. They would come up by the boats, look people in the eye, and invite contact with them and their babies. It was quite a moving display in the show, watching people hug and kiss these great beasts. Watching these great beasts revel in the bonds of kinship that no amount of violence could ever destroy.
It led me (and the investigators) to wonder: Was it because the whales are stupid and forgot that they re-emerged from the depths so gently? Was it time that eventually healed their wounds and changed their hearts? Was it an act of perfect forgiveness on the part of the whales?
Whatever the case may be, I believe that we see the healing process at work in this example. What we learn from these Leviathans whether they realize it or not is that the first step to healing is to stop the violence, just as the whaling operations ceased. The second step is to then put ourselves out there, no matter how ashamed we may be, no matter how vulnerable we may be by doing so. The third and final step is to then patiently abide, until those that we have hurt are willing to surface once again, and to do so in a new beginning and fresh start.
What we above all learn from these Leviathans is that there will never be a relationship of trust and mutual prosperity until we are naked together. It is only in and through this embrace where we clothe each other that there is life and healing. A relationship no longer wounded by the past.
Thanks be to Job.
No comments:
Post a Comment