The narrator reflects on a profound sense of appreciation while traveling on a ferryboat surrounded by lush, vibrant islands that seem to glow in the sunlight. The atmosphere is filled with an overwhelming beauty, highlighted by the striking blue sky and the sparkling water of the inlets, which evoke feelings of warmth and spirituality despite the unpleasant smell surrounding them. This moment captures a vivid intersection of nature's splendor and human experience.

In this scene from Denis Johnson's "Jesus' Son," the narrator expresses a shared feeling of blessing among fellow travelers. The contrasting elements—such as the joyous scenery and the reminder of modernity in the odor of petroleum—create a unique awareness of life’s complexities. It indicates that even amidst discomfort, there is an underlying beauty and connection to the divine that evokes a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life's fleeting moments.