On Monday we went to Auckland to visit the Sea Life Kelly Tarlton Aquarium.
From the entrance there is an iconic view of the Auckland skyline.

Inside are tanks and displays of all things marine, from large sharks and rays to starfish and bioluminescent “jellies.”

One thing I particularly enjoyed seeing was a life-sized model of Scott’s Hut in the Antarctic.


The fact that one of our family’s neighbours, Roberta Farrell, is a professor who has led expeditions to the Antarctic, made it even more interesting to me. Her teams studied fungi that survive in temperatures in the region of minus 80 degrees. These organisms caused some degradation of the timber of the hut.
What the children enjoyed most was an interactive play area where outlines of fish and other sea creatures are available to colour with wax crayons. The child then places the coloured page into a scanner which links via a computer programme to a screen along one wall where the coloured-in-fish is made life-like and can be seen swimming around in a marine environment.
In spite of this amazing technology, only God can create real-life fish or any other creature. Even the intelligence to create such programmes or the ability and stamina to study Antarctic life-forms are gifts that God has given to mankind.
As Psalm 8 declares, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! …what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? … You made them rulers over the works of your hands; … the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” (selected verses, NIV)
My Prayer
Father God, I stand in awe of You. Thank You for Your amazing and diverse creation. Thank You for the creative gifts You have bestowed on mankind. May I use my gifts to Your glory. Amen