When I think about camels I think about deserts, sand, heat and envision people riding them for fun and transportation. Anyone can recognize a camel from afar with their sandy brown color, distinctive two humps (some camels have one hump) and long necks with pouted noses and thick lips. But after hearing a sermon alluding to the adaptable nature of camels, I decided to further research their attributes and characteristics. What I found was truly fascinating! Camels like humans are mammals and can live just as long; the life span of a camel ranges from 15 years to 50 years. There are 2 common types of camels, the Dromedary Camel and the Bactrian Camel. The Dromedary Camel, central to North Africa and the Middle East, has one hump (also known as the Arabian Camel) and the Bactrian Camel (from Central Asia) has two humps. Ever wonder what was inside of the hump of a camel? Water? No, Stored fat! Camels are shaped functionally by design- the functionality is to survive and by design camels store food and adapt to whatever environment they are in. The stored fat metabolizes when food or water is scarce. Camels can adapt to their environment just like a chameleon but unlike chameleons, they don’t change colors. In fact, camels have a third clear eyelid that protects their eyes from the strong, sandy winds of the dry desert and two rows of thick eyelashes protect their eyes. What about sandy noses? No problem for a camel, because their noses close during sandstorms and yet and still, they can still breathe!
Camels have the ability to walk thousands of miles because of this intricate, meticulous design by the Creator, without these protections in place, camels would not go very far nor would they be efficient for transportation. Humans have relied on camels for transportation for thousands of years and they can even carry up to 600 lbs. on their backs. Camels have completely earned the nickname, “ships of the desert”. Bactrian Camels can grow to 6 feet tall and body length of 10 feet weighing in at 2,200 lbs. Dromedary Camels can grow up to 6.5 feet weighing up to 1,325 lbs. Most camels are herbivores and considered vegetarians (like me!)
Camels are survivalists, surviving in heat and cold weather, drinking up to 30 gallons of water in less than 15 minutes and their bodies rehydrate quicker than any other mammal. Their humps regulate heat and act as a coolant. The red blood cells in camels are oval shaped and help continue blood flow during times of water scarcity. In cold weather temperatures, their coat of wooly fur grows and insulates to protect from the cold element (up to -29 degrees C). The same wooly fur coat sheds in the hotter temps. Camels are indigenous to the deserts, prairies or steppe lands.
Camels can run up to 25 miles mph and if they really want to speed things up, Camels have been known to run as fast as 40 mph! Camels stay together in herds and are led by a dominant male. When camels mate and female camels become pregnant, the pregnancy is generally a single birth and on occasion camels have twins. The gestation period is 12-14 months. Camels are fully mature at the age of 7. Camels can ward off hunters by spitting and regurgitating food on predators as a defensive tactic. Hunters seek their fur for coats and other resources.
So, what is the point of this you may ask?
Well, if you have read thus far, it’s safe to assume that camels have some similarities such as humans in terms of life span, birthing, eating habits and mobility. Can you adapt to hot and cold weather as easily, or are you preferential to certain temps withdrawing or staying indoors to avoid the extremities. How about your ability to store resources and preserve? Can you regulate the adversities and challenges of life? How about your ability to endure and withstand weights? The camel is clearly equipped and designed multidimensional to adapt, survive, transport and be a transient for those who utilize them. The camel is an extraordinary creature and truly pertinent and efficient in any environment they find themselves in. So the next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, climate, scenario, condition, etc. remember the camel that can carry weights, travel long distances and survive in extreme conditions.
Related Attributes: Withstand. Endure, fluid, flexible, and from the Greek Lexicon: Strong's Greek 1743: To fill with power, strengthen, make strong.
“From en and dunamoo; to empower”
If the Creator designed Camels to withstand, how much more has He placed in you or me??
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