Half-Brained Idea

Our last visit to our beach house in Oregon afforded us an opportunity to see a lot of wildlife including spotting a whale from our deck. Pam in a moment of reflection asked me, “How do whales sleep?” As an air breathing mammal the question of how does a whale sleep without drowning seems like a good question. So I googled. My internet quest revealed a few important facts and scientific speculation based on observation in controlled environments like the zoo as well as in the wild. Scientist would first remind us that whales and dolphins unlike humans are conscious breathers. Breathing for them is a twenty-four seven decision. They must make a conscious effort to surface for a breath. Since sleep is necessary for all living creatures then how does a conscious breather survive the unconscious state of sleep? Scientist have theorized from observation and tests that both dolphins and whales sleep with half of their brain while the other half stays semi-conscious and able to breathe and watch for predators. In fact, they have been observed with just one eye opened. So, what can we learn from this half-brained idea?

The most obvious lesson is that once again God’s marvelous design of creation reveals His presence in all things! The Creator of all things leaves us marveling at His handiwork as all creation sings praises to His name. But I think there’s an even more wondrous lesson. The brain which I believe seats the soul is an organic mechanism that God created with abilities far reaching anything we ever imagined. The old adage is that humans only use 10% of their brains but science and common sense have exposed this myth. The brain is fully functioning but what is true is that the intellectual capacity of the mind has such far reaching potential that some believe the brain has unlimited capabilities. One might want to take a healthy spoonful of humility with such statements yet, also acknowledge that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)! God made us a little lower than the heavenly beings (Psalm 8:5), that is, we have remarkable mental and spiritual potential. There’s nothing half-brained about this idea but rather an awesome and humbling challenge for each of us to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Let’s take our cue from the dolphins and the whales to keep one eye open always looking to Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s vow to strive to allow God to use us up in His service and keep us useful to the kingdom even when we are at rest. May God bless our voyage with alert eyes and receptive hearts and may He find us faithful servants! -DAN