Yushan and Taroko

Their names are Yushan and Taroko, each derived from a place of significance in Taiwan. Yushan for the tallest peak, also known as the Jade Mountain, and Taroko for a national park distinctive with its marble cliffs and beautiful views. But really that is all irrelevant. What matters is that they have beautiful white spots. What matters is that they have huge mouths. What matters is that they can be nearly 60 feet in length, but move with sinuous grace. The names are important only because of the individuals who carry them. Their names are Yushan and Taroko and it is only that THEY bear these names that make those words matter at all . . . if you are four . . . and if you have the unwavering conviction that whale sharks are the world's coolest creatures . . . and if you are my son. Thankfully for me, Yushan and Taroko reside in the Georgia Aquairum and you, like me, can go visit them on a regular basis.

By now I can tell Yushan and Taroko apart from each other. It is hard at first, but the giveaway is Taroko's tail which has a large callus from where he likes to rub it against the side of the tank. For every visit we pause to sit in the viewing room before the massive glass wall watching Nandi the Giant Manta Ray swim lazy, looping, circles and we scan intently for the murky shadow that will emerge into the majestic whale shark. In these moments I am reminded that we give our attention and affection to the things we love and we come to know them through the dedication of our time and focus.

In John chapter 10, Jesus declares that he is the good shepherd and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. Certainly here is a call to give our attention, affection, and time to Jesus, to know this shepherd who calls us to follow. Yet what makes this shepherd good is not that the sheep know him, but that he knows the sheep. This is the shepherd who recognizes his sheep, who cares for his sheep and can tell them apart by size and callus and spot. So be free today to know Jesus as shepherd in your life, because you are already known. You are already seen. You are already loved. And Jesus still calls you as his own.

In memory of Taroko, who passed away shortly after this was written.