An Unlikely Lifeguard
Imagine strolling along a beach, the surf thrumming against the sand, and spotting five canine lifeguards ready to plunge into the ocean. Four are Labrador Retrievers -- familiar heroes of the rescue world -- and the fifth is a fluffy white Standard Poodle named Nilo, his long nose slathered in bright blue sunscreen and a neon life vest snug across his chest. It’s a sight so delightfully unexpected that beachgoers in Málaga, Spain, pause their sunbathing to cheer him on.
Two-year-old Nilo recently joined the canine rescue squad at Las Lindes beach, where he assists lifeguards in towing swimmers to safety. Under the guidance of his handler, veteran dog instructor Miguel Sánchez-Merenciano, Nilo has learned to swim horizontally with perfect strokes, his tail working like a rudder to steer him through choppy waters. Once timid around loud noises and crowds, Nilo has undergone a remarkable transformation that required patient, step-by-step training, culminating in a poise and strength that belies his fluffy exterior.
Interestingly, Poodles were once bred in Germany for water work since their dense, lustrous coats protecting them against icy lakes. In fact, the name “Poodle” derives from the German verb puddeln, which means "puddle" or “to splash.” While Labradors and Newfoundlands have dominated dog rescue squads for decades, Sánchez-Merenciano recognized in Nilo both the historical pedigree and the intelligence to rise to life-saving duties. According to the American Kennel Club, Poodles rank among the most intelligent breeds -- a trait that Nilo has put to good use as he scouts out swimmers in distress and pulls them safely to shore.
Scripture invites us to embrace our unique gifts in service of others and reminds us that God’s call often comes to the unexpected among us: fishermen, tax collectors, social outcasts, and even fluffy white Standard Poodles -- unlikely vessels that God equips for extraordinary purposes. Nilo's story reminds us that transformation can prepare us for God-sized tasks beyond what the world deems possible.
As 1 Peter 4:10 exhorts, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Nilo’s life vest may look out of place on a Poodle, but with it, he accomplishes life-saving work. So, too, will the Lord clothe us in unexpected strengths and lead us to rescue those around us.
As we continue our discussion of the Practicing the Way Course Book, our practice for this week is to read Scripture daily. Whether you open your Bible to a favorite passage or explore a Bible Project Reading Plan, remember that reading Scripture can be as brief as five minutes per day spent in peaceful, prayerful quiet with the Lord. How will you find time this week? And as you seek time with your Creator, how will you -- like Nilo -- embrace your calling with the compassion and quiet confidence that comes from being fashioned by the Master's hand?