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On June 11, 2021, veteran lobster diver Michael Packard found himself completely inside a humpback whale.  Here's a few excerpts from the Cape Cod Times story: "In something truly biblical, Packard was swallowed whole by a humpback whale. “All of a sudden, I felt this huge shove and the next thing I knew it was completely black,” Packard recalled Friday afternoon following his release from Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Initially, Packard thought he was inside a great white shark, but he couldn’t feel any teeth and he hadn’t suffered any obvious wounds. It quickly dawned on him that he had been swallowed by a whale.  “I was completely inside; it was completely black,” Packard said. “I thought to myself, ‘there’s no way I’m getting out of here. I’m done, I’m dead.’ All I could think of was my boys — they’re 12 and 15 years old.” What an amazing story!  The one line we all can relate to was the last quote from Michael Packard, "All I could think of was my boys." Here's an important takeaway for all of us when it comes to the struggles of life: In our darkest, most difficult moments, our focus quickly shifts to what is most valuable in life.   For Jonah to awaken to what was most valuable in life, God sent a giant fish to swallow him!  For many this would be labeled a tragedy, or vengeance, or punishment.  In Jonah's case, this great fish is an act of mercy.  God could have let Jonah sink to the bottom of the sea and perish.  However, God, who is rich in mercy, commands a fish to consume Jonah.  How is that mercy?  Here's a definition of mercy: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. God showed compassion by sending a fish.  Sometimes, our darkest valleys, or most difficult struggles is God's way of showing mercy.  Do you want to learn more?  Give a listen to part three of Jonah ~ The Story of You.