Big things usually make a big impact. A 10,000-pound elephant will break branches, uproot bushes, and push down trees to reach food. Little things can make a big impact too. Body size doesn’t always dictate the big jobs God gives some small-sized critters.
Krill is an important food source for marine life. Whales, seals, and penguins are just a few animals that eat these little crustaceans. Krill swim in large groups. Their swimming motion creates eddies in the water. An eddy is like a whirlpool. Water spins, and as it does, deep water comes up. At the same time, surface water goes down. The spinning water churns up rich nutrients. Thanks to tiny krill, marine animals enjoy the nutrient-rich water.
There are more than 320 different species of hummingbirds. These itty-bitty birds are always hungry! Each bird will visit hundreds of flowers every day. They slurp nectar from flowers. As they travel from flower to flower, hummingbirds carry pollen with them. They pollinate wildflowers everywhere! Hummingbirds travel thousands of miles yearly. Of course, the miniature flappers carry pollen with them on their journey.
Sea stars are a “keystone species.” That means that they eat animals that have no other predators. If sea stars disappear from the ocean, then there would be nothing to eat sea urchins. Too many sea urchins would consume too much sea kelp. Kelp loss would mean a food shortage for many fish and other marine animals. Sea stars keep the ocean in balance.
Leave it to beavers to manage healthy rivers! These little guys work hard making their dams. They use trees, roots, and limbs to slow a river’s water flow. Dams make cool pools that are great for fish and vegetation to call home. Dams are also natural water filters. They help catch and clear pollution from flowing river water.
Take a close look at the little things around you. God gives every part of creation an important job to do. That includes you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made, says Psalm 139:14. Your biggest job is to bring God glory in everything that you do!
