In the Eye of the Elephant

I have always wondered and people have often asked me where my love of elephants comes from. For the longest time I had no response. But, after learning about them extensively and reading stories about (and falling in love with) the girls at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, I think I've found an answer - or part of one at least.

They say that elephants never forget. I've read stories and watched countless videos of elephants reuniting with old family members that they were separated from. I've watched them mourn the loss of loved ones much like humans do. I've read about and have witnessed them remembering. But, I've also watched them forgive. I've watched them learn to trust people again. I've seen them open up to other elephants that have never been a part of their herd. I've watched them find joy and freedom despite the abuse and pain they experienced in the past.

These beautiful animals may not have souls (despite my desperate prayers), but my Savior and Creator shines through them and deeply touches mine. My heart is drawn to them and to any normal person, my love for them may seem irrational. But that's just it. Christ's love for us is irrational. It doesn't make sense and as much as we try, we'll never be able to explain it. It simply has to be experienced. And even then, it is only just a glimpse of what is to come.

When I look at an elephant, she's not just a massive gray creature. I see a masterpiece that only knows joy. I see a beauty that walks in freedom because the chains of her past have literally been cut from her ankles. I see scars that tell a story of rescue and redemption. I see eyes that are no longer worried about tomorrow. I see my Savior. And, I see in them who He wants me to be: a girl that knows no worry, that celebrates the smallest of joys, a daughter that embraces the freedom I've been set apart for, a child that loves with reckless abandon.

If for no other reason, these lovely works of my Creator were meant to be reminders to me of how deeply I am loved. I am continually blown away by the ways God chooses to romance me, teach me, and lavish His love on me.

I will get my moment with an elephant. And it will be magical. To look into her eyes and see into the heart of my Maker.