A Beluga Whale will usually inhabit Canadian waters, staying in the Arctic regions, it is naturally camouflaged. The white whale takes its name from the Russian word ‘bielo’ meaning white and so we get Beluga. It takes eight years for the birth colour of dark grey to completely leave. Being such a different colour for the first part of its life means that it can travel safely. But surely this grey exterior puts it at a disadvantage?? Actually no.
An adult Beluga will swim at such an angle, above a young whale, with the effect that it looks as though the child is just a shadow. The shape, dimensions, characteristics of the child made it seem like it is nothing more than a shadow of its parent. The formation offer protection, it provides reassurance. It instils identity.There is a portion of scripture that says:
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91.
It poses these questions. Who’s shadow are we walking in? Is there someone, something, that we align our lives to. Are we in formation with a colleague, Father, friend?
Maybe our spouse or a mentor.
For some it may be God.
There are boundless opportunities for us to observe, align our lives and gain from walking in the shadow of others.
dean hogarth 