On April 8th, 2024¹, Rachel and I witnessed one of the most amazing natural phenomena to be seen with the human eye. A total solar eclipse passed directly over Texas, and we were in awe for almost 4 minutes of totality. I was inspired to share a couple of thoughts I had from this incredible event.
First, you should know that I am embarrassingly obsessed with weather, tornadoes, and other extreme natural weather events. I have multiple radar applications, and a certified degree from YouTube University² in storm chasing. I knew this solar eclipse was coming for years, and I was so amped to see it. All of this to say, this was a very important and intense experience for me.
Second, it is important to know that this is not my first total solar eclipse. You may remember back in 2017, there was another eclipse that went across the United States. I skipped school that day (thanks Dad!), and saw that eclipse from my childhood home in Missouri. It was truly the most incredible thing I had ever seen in my 18 years on the planet at that point in my life.
This time was a little different...
These days, I have become acquainted with the creator of the universe. If you are a believer in Christ, you know that this intimate acquaintanceship tends to change your perspective on most things. This is the case with this crazy solar event that I witnessed today. Here are a couple of things that I considered this time around.
God creates masterpieces
I have been working as a wilderness guide for the past 6 years. Most of those years have been wilderness ministry. I have taught students the intricacies of the Lord in places where we can all understand Him a little bit better: nature. Ive seen so many cool places, and thanked God through all of it, but the most amazing feat of nature I have ever seen is totality of a solar eclipse. I thank God that He gives us a glimpse into such a rare beauty of creation!
James 4:14
It has been just over 5 years since the last time I saw an eclipse, and it seems like just yesterday. God puts us on this earth for just a short time, and that time can move very quickly. Sometimes it is frightening how quickly life can seem to move. We have to spend that time wisely, and give our time to the Lord. The brother of Jesus writes the following reminder: "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:14, ESV).
God connects with us in many ways
During the total solar eclipse on August 21st, 2017, I wept. During the eclipse on April 8th, 2024, I found myself weeping, overwhelmed with emotion. In 2017, I wept because of the beauty of the moon covering the sun. In 2024, I wept because I serve a God so great, that He would show us a glimpse into his intricate nature. I jumped up and down, verbally expressed my joy, and wrung my hands in excitement. Excitement that a perfect clearing in the clouds allowed me to see totality. Excitement that I was able to see this sight once again. Excitement that I knew God was with me the whole time. What a beautiful thing to experience; God connecting with me in that moment.
God is faithful
When totality was over, I had a strange feeling of sadness. I was sad that it had come and gone so quickly. I felt as if a huge part of me went with that eclipse. I had to sit with that for a bit before I reminded myself that things in this life will come and go. God will not. God is constant. God is faithful. God is past, present, and future. As I reflect I am reminded of this scripture; "If I go up to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in the place of the dead, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning or live in the farthest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me and Your right hand will hold me." (Psalm 139:8-10, NLT).
I am so blessed to have experienced two total solar eclipses in my young adulthood. I thank the Lord that He reached down and connected with me in the way that He did. Seeing a total solar eclipse is truly an intimate experience with our Creator, that reminds us how close our God is. Thank you Jesus!
I would love to hear your thoughts on the eclipse, even if you only saw a partial eclipse! Our comment section is open!
I'll finish this blog with a song recommendation:
Maker of the Moon, Bright City
Connor and Rachel enjoying the eclipse!
¹ This post was written on April 8th, 2024
² Not a real university... :)
preach it! good read man