The bobtail squid is one of God’s most fascinating creations.

This tiny ocean-dweller is typically no more than three inches long, which would make it a perfect snack for predators.

However, it has a secret protector.

When the baby squid hatch, they are immediately surrounded by vibrio fischerii, a bacteria that swims inside of them — and remains there for life!

Inside its mantle, the squid has a “light organ” that produces a solution specially formulated to nourish the bacteria. As the bacteria eat, they glow, illuminating their host.

You might think that a brightly glowing squidly glob would be a target for predators. Not so.

Essentially, the light from the squid perfectly simulates moonlight or starlight filtering through the ocean. Instead of drawing unnecessary attention to itself, it allows the squid to exist in places where it would immediately die, if not for its inner light.

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus proclaims. “Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).

Every day we receive is another opportunity to allow the Word of God into our hearts, to feed us, to transform us, and to make us glow with divine love.