Hi, Mr. Nature here with a critter from another world–the mud puppy.
These big salamanders keep their gills all their lives, and although cold-blooded, they seem to thrive in a really chilly environment. Their legs aren’t much for propelling them efficiently when on the land, but these puppies are fast and graceful swimmers. They’ll eat whatever live food they can catch, and have been known to plague ice fishermen.
Why am I showing you this hideous creature? Well, I’m fascinated by these animals. They’re God’s stuff, and they move me to reflect on the infinite options available to God as He was creating the world. It didn’t have to be the world we know today. Fossils show us there were once amphibians, like the mud puppy, as big as crocodiles.
The next time we question what God did do, we might also spare a thought for what He might have done–but didn’t.
Wow! That’s a new one one me. I knew they existed, but did not know that they kept their gills for life and certainly knew nothing of their cold weather propensity.
Obviousl, our Creator had a lot of lattittude in how He chose to do things. He made such an amazing variety of creatures and all of them seem happy living as they were made.
When I:watched a National Geographic Special some years ago about new species being discovered, I had to remind myself that this is God’s world. Revelations 4:11 says: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Yep, He created naked mole rats, a disgusting species to say the least. Read up on their habits. Blah! BUT the Word does say that these little hairless rodents bring glory to Him. They are His little critters. Mud puppies! Wouldn’t want to share space in a pool with this creature. Cute name, though.
These species co tribute a lot to our lives, even those with unsavory habits. I don’t even like to think about the septic tank, but there are all sorts of bacteria and little critters that live there happily, and help to Mia the contents into wastewater and fertilizer that plants can make use of. It’s not pleasant to think about, but God took the time to create these processes which make our lives better.