Plunge-Diving or Pilfering? A Lesson from the Pelicans of Robbie’s Dock

The Pelicans of Robbie’s Dock: A Lesson in Convenience vs. Character (Part 2)

Last week we introduced ourselves to The Great Egret. This week, we take a peek into the Pelicans!

In the wild, Brown Pelicans are famous for their incredible plunge-diving—they fly high over the ocean, spot a fish, and dive face-first into the water at high speeds to stun and scoop it up. However, the ones hanging out at Robbie’s Marina have completely abandoned this hunting behavior. They have realized that sitting on wooden pilings, staring down tourists, and executing ambush maneuvers to steal bait fish is a much easier way to get a meal.

I must say, when I read that the Robbie’s Dock pelicans had found a much easier way to get a meal than hunting, I laughed. But should we laugh about behavior that seems a bit unseemly, to say the least? They are essentially stealing—breaking the 8th commandment!

Yet, I am fascinated by their awesome look, and even their pesky behavior brings a little excitement. We have had a little fun in our recent blogs with the local wildlife, seeing how they delight the guests strolling around the famous Robbie’s Dock in Florida.

But it also makes me think. In our previous discussion, we talked about what others see when they see us. We hope they are seeing our good deeds and our glorious light. But these opportunistic pelicans remind us how easily we can swap our higher purpose for a cheap shortcut—and scriptures point to a very different kind of behavior we might want to review.

When we choose the easy, chaotic path over what is right, we drift away from the standard God sets for us:

• Romans 13:13 – “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (NIV) The apostle Paul urges believers to walk honorably in the “light of day” rather than participating in wild, reckless, or divisive behavior.
• 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV) Believers are called to maintain mental and spiritual clarity rather than living out-of-control lives where we easily fall into traps.
• 1 Timothy 2:2 – “…that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (ESV)The Christian ideal is a quiet, dignified, and peaceable life rather than one of chaos and turmoil.

Are you like me and sometimes find yourself blurring the lines of having a little fun? Have you ever crossed the line simply because you found yourself in the wrong place at the right time? It is easy to justify a shortcut or join in on something “unseemly” when everyone else is doing it, or when the reward comes without immediate consequences.

The Takeaway for Our Week:
God created the pelican for the extraordinary—built to dive majestically from great heights. He created you for something grand, too. This week, let’s challenge ourselves to stay off the spiritual “wooden pilings.” Let’s choose the path of integrity over the path of convenience, ensuring our actions reflect a dignified, daytime faith.

As for me? I’ll still enjoy watching the pelicans at Robbie’s. But the next time I see one eyeing a tourist’s bait bucket, I’ll take it as a feathered reminder to keep my own beak out of places it doesn’t belong!