There is a saying: “The bird that flies high sees far.” Indeed, birds can see astonishing distances—some can even spot insects on the ground from several kilometers above. Hawks, famous for their exceptional vision, have five times more photoreceptor cells concentrated in the macula (the area of the eye where images form) than humans do. This allows them to perceive fast-moving objects almost as if they were passing slowly, frame by frame, enabling them to catch tiny insects mid-flight with their beaks. Hawks also have two maculae, enabling rapid focus adjustments much like a camera lens. When they search for prey from high above, their vision functions like a telephoto lens; when they lock onto prey and begin their descent, it shifts to a wide-angle lens.1
1. A lens that provides a broad field of view.
Fish, swimming in the water, have bodies perfectly suited to their aquatic world. Their gills—used to take in oxygen dissolved in water and release carbon dioxide—and their fins, essential for propulsion and balance, are prime examples. Fins also promote blood circulation and help regulate body temperature. Remarkably, fish living in polar regions produce special proteins that act like antifreeze, preventing ice crystals from forming in their blood. This gives them the ability to regulate their temperature and survive in sub-zero waters.
A fish’s swim bladder also allows it to move freely. Buoyancy, the upward force that works against gravity in water, helps fish float; they adjust this buoyancy using their swim bladder. You may have seen fish swimming under a frozen lake. Because ice is less dense than water, it floats—preventing the lake bottom from freezing. Even external environmental factors are arranged in ways that make aquatic life possible.
We, who sail across the great ocean of the gospel with a magnificent hope for heaven, have likewise been granted the most fitting spiritual conditions for a life of faith. We have been given eyes to recognize God—the hidden treasure—ears to understand His word, mouths to proclaim the message of salvation, and feet to journey toward the kingdom of heaven. These abilities belong only to the children of God.
Furthermore, God has added to each of us the spiritual gifts needed for the gospel. Even someone who insists they lack talent will, upon closer look, find at least one unique strength. A person who cannot teach the Word eloquently may still have a natural ability to connect with strangers quickly—a talent that becomes a powerful tool for the gospel. Others may serve by keeping the temple clean, beautiful, and orderly. And prayer is a special blessing granted only to those who have unwavering faith in God.
So instead of envying others or falling into feelings of inadequacy, let us discover the gifts we have received and use them without hesitation. Let us not chase the rainbow in the distance while missing the beautiful flowers blooming beneath our feet.