I have been hesitant to make this post, but for some reason, the main thought I had about the the solar eclipse which happened over two weeks ago has persisted in my mind. So here goes...
On Monday, April 8, the long-awaited (or long-hyped-up) solar eclipse occurred. There seemed to be many people who were so fascinated by this event, that their enthusiasm filled social media with numerous posts about the it - eclipse-watching parties, plans for travel, etc. However, my husband and I did not include ourselves in this frivolity. To say that we were pretty much indifferent would have been an understatement.
My main concern was about the disruption that was predicted to happen with the hordes of people who were predicted to show up in our area as we were in the path of totality. As Gary works second shift in a nearby city, I was concerned about the traffic congestion that was predicted and the fact that the eclipse would be happening during his drive time. He had a doctor's appointment that morning, so we both decided to take the day off and stay home. After the appointment and going out for breakfast, we went home, determined to stay there, out of the fray. We weren't even planning to watch it. I did learn enough about it to find out the time it would be happening and took note of the warnings to close the drapes and blinds so that our pets wouldn't be traumatized, as some "experts" said could happen. As it turned out, Noodle the cat and Jezebel the dog slept through it - they had no clue!
I will admit - I did look out the windows when it started to get dark and again when it was pitch black. It was sort of eerie. Gary was napping and heard me walking around in my upstairs office. He yelled, "It's getting dark - the world's going to end!" I know he was joking, but there were actually some predictions that this could happen.
As it started to get light again, I started thinking about light and dark in spiritual terms. It occured to me that there would have been many people watching the eclipse who would have no clue about the God of the universe who created the sun, moon, stars, and planets. I heard stories of people cheering during the event, but did they know who or what they were cheering for?
There are many Scripture references about people walking in darkness and Jesus being the light of the world. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
As followers of Jesus, we are told that we should have the light of Christ living in and shining through us. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16.
Jeremy Camp's latest song speaks of how we have been placed here in time, in this place, to be the light of God in this world.
I believe that you and I
Are in the right place at the right time
God called us by name
And He doesn’t make mistakes
I know we were born to shine bright
In a dark world that needed some light
Don’t have to be afraid
Maybe we were made
For these days
My question to you is "How brightly is your light shining?"
"How bright is your God-light?"
P.S. To be fair, I will say that I saw some pretty cool pictures that people had taken!
Above Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash
