“There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon….”
1 Corinthians 15:41a
For scientists, children, and those of us who celebrate the art of wonder, August 21, 2017 is special.
Today is when close to 20 million Americans living along (or traveling to) a 14-state swath will be treated to The Greatest Show On Earth — a total solar eclipse. I’ll admit: I’ve got a mild case of FOMO because I live hours from the Path of Totality (POT), where the moon will completely cover the sun. Only viewers along this path will be able to see Bailey’s Beads and the incredible diamond ring effect.
If it seems like there’s a lot of hype surrounding this celestial event, there’s good reason: not only is it the first visible solar eclipse from the contiguous United States since 1979, it is also the first one whose path of totality makes landfall exclusively within the U.S. since our nation was founded (source). The last total eclipse visible from our mainland was in February 1979 (POT viewable only in the Pacific Northwest); the next one will be in April of 2024.
Especially along the Path of Totality, viewing a total eclipse is a rare phenomenon, the sort of thing you carry around the rest of your life. I was 15 the last time a total eclipse made the kind of headlines it’s making now, and back then we only had school, newspapers, and network news to hear about it. I still remember my makeshift pinhole projector — made of a cheap, white paper plate with a hole poked in it; I was scared to death to look up (YOU’LL SCORCH YOUR RETINAS!), but since I wasn’t in the path of totality, I didn’t see much.
In today’s world, there’s an endless supply of social media messaging and constant Eclipse 2017 chatter from every news outlet; and yet I don’t think we’ve tired of hearing about it for one reason:
The eclipse reveals the glory of God to man.
I don’t know about you, but right now I sure could use a visible manifestation of the Divine.
The earth beneath our feet is unsteady. On a personal level, our souls can grow weary when life is a bully — financial crisis, illness, job instability, marriage infidelity, difficult children. We watch the news and can’t understand how a man can be so cruel to another. Our hearts break over violence and injustice, apathy and indifference. We hear of wars and rumors of wars and quietly wonder if these are the things Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24.
Giving into fear is an understandable response — even if we have the assurance of 2 Timothy 1:7:
…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Believers have the whole counsel of Scripture to teach and encourage us, to know that Christ’s work was accomplished on the cross, and that in Him we have hope, victory, freedom, and life. So when fear threatens to creep in, I can relate to Paul’s frustration with himself in Romans 7:15:
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” I’ve found that full trust in God and fear cannot coexist.
Thankfully, fully trusting in God extinguishes the flame of fear.
The timing of today’s solar eclipse feels like a generous, very kind gift from God to a world that desperately needs to hear good news, to see a glimpse of the God who created the sun and the moon on day four.
I love this quote from Stewart Udell, former congressman from Arizona and Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson:
Cherish sunsets, wild creatures, and wild places. Have a love affair with the wonder and beauty of the earth!
God created our magnificent world for us to explore, experience, and enjoy. This is why we cherish those sunsets, wild creatures and places. The ocean’s fury, a waterfall’s thunder, and every rainbow we see — each is calling us to a posture of wonder. And common things, too – -a spider’s web, blowing bubbles with spit, a flower from bud to bloom.
Even common things are extraordinary when you linger in the wonder of them.
Nehemiah declares, “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
David sang, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)
Creation and its beauty are not objects to be worshipped but they reflect the very glory of the One who made them. Or as Paul described in Romans 1:19-20:
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made….”
Today’s eclipse is wonder-full. Do share how you’ve seen God and His glory in creation, and if you’re in the path of totality and post amazing pictures, be sure to tag me (@RobinDance on Twitter, @PensieveRobin on Instagram) and use the hashtag #INwonder. I’d love to see through your eyes! (Bonus: a fun playlist I created of all things sun and moon.)
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Robin,
I echo your thought, that with so much worldly hate and fear, we need a revelation of the divine. We need a solar eclipse that just might reveal God’s awesomeness to those who are not yet believers. When you come to know a wonderful Creator God, you see Him everywhere. I love to watch the variety of birds that gather and flit about my feeder…no two the same. When I water my flowers, I marvel at the variety of colors, shapes, designs, and variation….again no two the same. When I take a walk in the fall and see the golden yellow and flaming orange leaves against the backdrop of a Carolina blue sky, I am amazed and fall at His feet in wonder. Praying that many will not just see an eclipse today, but will see God. Wonderful post, Robin!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Robin Dance says
Bev,
I believe we could go on a walk and see a million things to celebrate, that others might pass on by. Isn’t that a lovely thought? xo
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Robin,
I believe so…that would be lovely!! Your beloved Clemson looks like the place to be for the eclipse 🙂
Blessings,
Bev
Michele Morin says
Yes, and there’s something about watching a thing disappear that makes me appreciate its presence all the more. This huge celestial event points to the glorious design of the universe — how the moon could EVER line up in the path of the sun so that we could see the small envelope the large is just incredible to me.
Robin Dance says
I’m marveling at the thought, eager for the afternoon to arrive!!
Liz Curtis Higgs says
A wonder-full post, Robin, giving us a fresh way of looking at today’s natural phenomenon for what it is: a supernatural gift from a God who loves His creation!
Robin Dance says
Liz! Aren’t you excited to FINALLY get to unwrap this incredible gift? xoxo
Gail Montiro says
Thank you so much for sharing! Gail Snead Montiro
Christine says
Robin – thank you for this reminder today. I totally agree with you. I am so thankful for this event to take my mind of the very heaviness of life right now. I will be viewing the eclipse with my homemade pin-hole viewer as I live near the path of totality (98%).
Robin Dance says
Ohhhh…you’re SO close! I found one calculator that said I’d need to drive 99 miles to get to the path of totality. I think I’m around 90-95% where I am :).
Penny says
Truly beautiful Robin thank-you, I absorbed every word……I for one never tire of seeing all the beauty created by God…
Blessings to all,
Penny
Robin Dance says
Penny,
Thank YOU for your kind, encouraging words. Here’s to NEVER getting tired of seeing that beauty! 🙂
Beth Williams says
Robin,
This country & world needs a revival. We need to get back to our Judo Christian roots. Only a Supernatural God could create such beauty as mountains, oceans & a wonder filled outer space where everything hangs in place. Praying people will see this phenomenon as a gift from Almighty God & will turn their hearts back to Him. I, too, fall in awe of how God can work miracles in people’s lives-cure cancer, heal mental illness, etc. Also how He shows his glorious colors in fall.
Blessings 🙂
Robin Dance says
Wouldn’t it be amazing to meet someone who was moved to a profession of faith as their response to the eclipse? OH, I wish I could meet that person (or people!).
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
We had planned to go to Wyoming to see the eclipse, until we heard the reports and forecasts that roadways will be parking lots and fields will be campgrounds and so I am happy to experience it at home.
I hope this event reminds everyone there is a Creator! I wrote a little about that today:
http://www.kathycheek.com/2017/08/the-earth-and-sun.html
Robin Dance says
Kathy,
Yes….I’m fighting the urge to hop in the car and drive 99 miles north :). I think I’d get stuck in traffic long before I arrived (and miss it because I was driving!).
Jen says
So true , Robin !
Our country definitely needs this and I live admiring and enjoying the beauty of nature that God made for us .
In a world that is so full of hate currently , I hope and pray this beautiful miracle that God is sending helps many of the haters change and live one another .
Prayers for our country , peace , love, and hugs to all my sisters reading !
Robin Dance says
Yes, Jen…agreed.
LOVE WINS! <3
Jean Blackmer says
Hi Robin, thanks for this fresh perspective on the eclipse. I’ve been intentional this summer to experience a “summer of wonder” and this is a fabulous thought and experience to top it off!
Robin Dance says
Jean! Wow–if you’ve been intentionally seeking “wonder” this summer, this IS an incredible show as a finale. Enjoy, friend :).
Jean Blackmer says
Thank you. I went to a “wonder workshop” with Brad Montegue (creator of the kid president videos) in Denver and I also wrote a blog for our church on how wonder helps me see God. (Flatirons Community Church in CO) flatirons.blogspot.com – June 28th. Blessings on you as you use your gifts to inspire a meaningful relationship with God and insights on how to experience Him every day!
Mary Lehman says
Thanks for your post, Robin! Today is another blessed day He has made!
Robin Dance says
A to the men!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
oh this is beautiful, robin. i just love it! and what a fun idea for the hashtag… will add it to my crescent shape shadows photo tonight!
Maggie R. says
Hi Robin,
Though I had a very busy shift as a nurse here in Rochester, NY and completely missed going outside to see this wonder, I feel secure for today knowing that He is in control of it all!
What an awesome God we serve. Thank you Robin for the beautiful message.
Jessica says
We drove our 3 kiddos to Makanda, IL, from Houston and saw totality for almost 3 minutes. I fell to my knees in awestruck wonder when darkness fell and the ‘ring of fire’ blazed – I just praised and thanked Him.
Leslie McCarthy says
We live in Vancouver, WA and drove down towards Salem, OR, POT spot. Had a great time, there were about 25 people parked where we were, all so very nice. It was awesome for sure. As a believer, you can’t help but think about Christ’s return. Was just amazing, saw the diamond ring. Praising the Lord for such gifts, and looking forward to being with our Creator.
Rebecca L Jones says
Oh, how wonderful a diamond ring. I’m in Jackson, Ga. My room went dark for a while I watched some coverage on the computer. I too, was worried about eyesight without cause. I don’t remember doing anything in 1979.
maryann Winslow says
Hey Robin check out the song by Kid Rock from his Born Free album called “for the first time in a long time”! Fits with your thoughts from today about the Eclipse
Elsa Seidel says
This is two days late, but we live in Idaho Falls, POT, and experienced the total solar eclipse. What a wonder and to see the circle of diamonds. The temp dropped about 16 degrees and the horizon was absolutely beautiful as the darkness came and then….. “sunrise!” God is in control. Praise Him!!!