Walking in the
Footsteps of God
Chapter 20 Sample:
Chapter 20: The Keeper & The Menfish
I've always felt like aquariums bring a natural element to the home. Because of this, I decided to set
one up in my living room earlier this year. To prepare, I went to the nearest pet store and bought the
most beautiful rocks and exotic plants available for my new goldfish. Soon after, I even collected a few
rocks and twigs from the local stream to make it as naturally pleasing to the eyes as possible. It took
about a week but after I was finished decorating the aquarium, I poured the water inside and let the
oxygen run while the water cooled down to the ideal temperature. After I conditioned the water, I
carefully removed the anxious fish out of the tight leaking bag they came in and introduced them to
their new world.
Initially, they were idle hiding behind the rocks and plants. After about an hour I came back into the
room to find them happily exploring their new home. I was delighted that the goldfish seemed to be
comfortable with the habitat I had created especially for them. Everyday I would feed them by
sprinkling a bit of fish food in the tank. They always seemed to be one bite less than full.
Every now and then when I had to clean the tank, I would have to chase them around with the little
flimsy net, trapping them in order to take them out of the mess they had made. Although they may
have thought that was unnecessary, I truly did it for their own good. I knew they assumed I was
mistaken, or that my agenda was somehow flawed.
How I wished they were able to know my heart.
At times I'd sit in a chair and watch them as they darted to and fro around the tank, attempting to find
food on top of the same rocks and under the same plants. The goldfish did this all day, everyday, and
as soon as I sprinkled some food on the surface of the water, they would all dart to the top to eat as if
their hard work had finally paid off. Over time, the fish got accustomed to the schedule.
After work, I usually flipped on the hallway lights that acted as their sun and stars and they would
immediately surface looking for food. They had no idea who I was or how I came to be. All they
understood was I was somehow associated with food. Oh, how I cared for them, but despite
everything I did to keep them happy and comfortable, the goldfish still feared me and when they were
not avoiding me, I was basically ignored. Did that surprise me? No. I didn't expect them to be any
different. They are mere fish. From their perspective however, they are geniuses.
The goldfish believe they have mastered their domain and perfected their approach to survival. They
are sure they have explored all there is to explore and have conquered all there is to conquer. They
govern themselves as the bigger fish takes the most and the smaller fish gladly accepts what is left. It
all makes sense. The goldfish have come to believe they are so wise and intelligent that I have
granted them the freedom of keeping themselves existing only to confirm or remind them of their
divinity.
Some of them have even come to the ridiculous conclusion that there is no keeper!
How wrong they are.
They don't even realize their vast world was designed wholly by me and is but a small piece of my
entire house. They don't even realize that there is nothing they can do for me but bring me joy in their
living. Despite what they believe, nothing just happens. I am the one who illuminates the moon and
stars as I hide the sun, all mere nightlights to me.
These wise creatures don't even know that swimming and working all day is worthless because when
all is said and done, I am the one who actually nourishes. Yes, without me, they won't “find” anything. I
let them believe their work equals gain simply because they won't accept otherwise. They are being
who they are and I am who I've always been. The keeper.
Journal entry: March 11, 2005
While driving to work the other morning, I promised God that I would commune with him silently all day
regardless of what was going on around me. I continued in prayer as I walked toward the entrance to
my job with my lunch and business bag. I was doing well until I walked into work and an associate
said, “Good morning! How was your weekend?” I started talking about the many things I had done
and seen over the weekend. After we spoke for a while, I sat down at my desk and worked for another
two or three hours and suddenly realized I was supposed to be doing something rather important. I
flipped through my schedule because I thought it was business-related. Then it finally dawned on me.
I was supposed to commune with God. As soon as I began thinking about the world, I easily forgot Him.
So are we any different than the goldfish we keep? Not really. Our aquarium is just bigger. What is
our aquarium? You guessed it, Earth. Who is our Keeper? Right again, Jehovah. Keep this reflection
in mind if you ever find yourself fish-braining God, something I will probably do tonight if things don't
go my way. It wouldn't be the first time, probably not the last time either.
Excerpt from my new book.
Calm Hill
Walking in the
Footsteps of God
Chapter 20 Sample: