I hesitate to tell you this, but while you good readers are enduring the cold slap of February there in Ohio, I’m writing from the gulf coast of Florida. Our good friends, David and Amy Lively graciously invited us to join them at their winter home in Lecanto, Florida for a few weeks. As you may recall, Marilyn and I are official RV’ers now having purchased our first camper last spring. Since then we’ve wandered into Amish country several times, hit a few state parks along the way, ventured north to Mackinaw Island (where I managed to crash our brand new camper into Wal-Mart’s light pole) and southward to Gatlinburg. We fantasized about finding our way to Florida during the winter but were never certain we’d pull it off. (Pun intended)
I promise not to gull you with smug comments about warm temperatures and blazing sunshine while you’re busy scraping ice from your windshield (I hate it when other’s do that to me). I only want to say how grateful we are to be here for a few weeks. It won’t be long before we return to properly commiserate with you rugged northerners regarding winter’s harshness.
There is something very unusual here that I’d like to tell you about. Lecanto, Florida is located near a unique aquifer known as Crystal Springs. It consists of three deep water springs that percolate fresh water at a constant 72 degrees year ‘round, forming the headwater for the Crystal River which flows into the nearby Gulf of Mexico. The combination of its consistent warm water and ocean access has resulted in having become the winter home for one of the most unique sea mammals known to exist—the Florida manatee.
If you’ve never seen a manatee, imagine what it would be like if an elephant morphed into a fish 
(only without a trunk and big floppy ears). It’s elongated round body tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. These gentle sea giants are so ugly they’re cute. Their gnarly head and face is wrinkled with long whiskers on their snout, like an overgrown Shar Pei dog. According to the Fish & Water Wildlife Service, their closest relatives are the elephant and hyrax (a small, gopher-sized mammal). The average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs in at 800 to 1200 pounds, which is about where I’m going to be if I don’t get back to Ohio and away from these fresh, seafood restaurants!
Because the gentle, slow moving manatee is a mammal it must stay warm to survive. Like us humans it can easily suffer from hypothermia if the water temperature drops below 70 degrees. The consistent 72 degree temperature of the Crystal River’s springs assures a comfortable winter haven for this endangered species. The day we visited, the Fish & Water Wildlife officers were all a twitter. Of the 5000 manatees believed to exist, there were over 1000 currently lulling in Crystal River; an incredible thing to behold.
I’m reminded how even though we Ohioans are a hardy breed, strong to brace against February’s weather, we still require the protection of home, clothes and friends to remain comfortable…to stay alive. Like the manatee, if it weren’t for God’s gracious provision of natural elements like fire and water we’d soon languish to hypothermia and dehydration. We like to imagine ourselves as self-sustaining but the truth is we rely inextricably on the grace of God to live each day. Ben Franklin is credited for saying, “God helps those who help themselves” (and not, contrary to popular opinion, a Biblical quote). But I respectfully disagree with Ol’ Ben. It just isn’t true. In fact, only the first three words of that familiar phrase is true, “God helps those…”
Paul writes to his protégé Timothy regarding this very thing saying, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”
(1 Timothy 6:17)
Just as God miraculously provides His manatee with prefect 72 degree water of Crystal River in Florida, He provides every necessary element for each of us as well. Take a moment even now, and express thanks to God for the countless ways He provides all your needs. Be Blessed, RG
Read Ron’s column, Simple Faith, each Saturday on the Faith Page (page 3) of the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, or visit www.lancastereaglegazette.com.