A Zoologist in Awe of God’s Creation

I have always felt drawn toward wildlife. As a child, I was enthralled with animals at the zoo, and spent hours gazing at such beautiful creatures. In third grade, my family went on a cruise where I had the opportunity to snorkel off the island of St. John. It was as if my whole world exploded once I got a glimpse of that underwater sanctuary. Submerged in the crystal blue, I marveled at colorful fish as they swam through the coral structures. I remember spotting a sea cucumber and a parrot fish and being extremely proud of my discoveries. This new world was flawless, serene, and time seemed to stand still.

In high school I volunteered at an aquarium that is home to sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, as well as otters, sloths, alligators, and a two-headed snake. This was the hands-on experience I had always dreamed about. I loved learning new facts about the animals we had in our care, characteristics that left me amazed by their design. And I shared those facts and my love of animals with the public whenever I gave tours.

When I applied for college, it was only obvious that I continue to pursue this passion, so I chose Ohio Wesleyan University for its zoology program.

Through my involvement with the CCO and the Jubilee Conference, I began to understand that I could glorify God though my major and future career. Last year, as a sophomore, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with my Tropical Biology class. For eight days, I explored exotic rainforests like the ones I had only ever seen in textbooks and on television. Similar to my third grade snorkeling adventure, I was mesmerized by the world before me, by the trees draped with vines that towered overhead, by the brilliantly colored birds and the sounds of howler monkeys hidden somewhere miles away.

I remember standing above a raging river one night in the midst of this dense jungle, and I looked up at the sky and saw the Milky Way; the whole experience took my breath away. I was overcome by the majesty of God’s creation and the incredibly humility I felt in being part of it. Moments like this happened frequently throughout the trip and today I am still occasionally homesick for what seemed so close to paradise.

Growing in my faith has led me to view zoology with more reverence. Most people wouldn’t pair science and religion, but the information I learn in my classes just leaves me more in awe of God’s mighty craftsmanship. Now a junior, I have become more involved in ministry on campus through a Bible study I started in my sorority, leading a weekly worship time at a local coffee house, mentoring friends, and leading Young Life at a local high school. My love for these activities caused me to consider a future in “ministry,” which in turn caused a slight panic about what I should do after graduation.

But God has been showing me that passion for zoology and for ministry does not need to be separated. Jesus called us to be lights everywhere and I can serve Him by being His light in the field of science. I can glorify God by taking care of His creation and living my life in a way that honors Him.

Image by Tim Miller. Used with permission. Sourced via Flickr.