Judy and I decided to travel to Ohio to experience the solar eclipse in its totality. The next solar eclipse in North America won’t be until 2044 and since we were so close, we took the trip. We traveled with Josh & Haley and their four and Perry and Sherry Cisco.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I remember being in the path of a partial eclipse when I was younger and it was interesting. But totality should be something unique. I was fearful that the traffic would be backed up. It wasn’t bad, but I heard from others that the main highways were lined up for miles.
We found a spot in a park in Liberty Center, Ohio and waited. We put on our goofy looking glasses and joined people from all over. With the glasses you could see the shadow of the moon passing in front of the sun. It simply looked like the moon at night. As it got closer to the total eclipse, the sky got darker and darker even though there weren’t any clouds. Even with a sliver of the sun showing, you could not look up at the sun because it was so bright.
Then, everything changed. When the sun was totally behind the moon, I could look up at the sun. It was showing a bright ring around the moon, just like in the pictures. Everyone around me gasped. The only thing that came out of my mouth was “Wow!!!” and I kept saying it. It was amazing and beautiful at the same time. It lasted about a minute, and then the sun started peeking out and soon it was over and back to normal. I am so glad we took the trip to see this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event.
I don’t put a spiritual spin on everything. But I had of a few ideas from my experience with the eclipse I want to share. It relates to my relationship to God.
I can’t see God.
The Bible tells us no one can see God in our natural condition and live. God is too holy to see. We were warned not to look up at the sun because it would damage our eyes. That’s why we had to wear the glasses, to block out most of the sun’s rays. In reality, the sun is so bright you can’t look at it.
“But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (Exodus 33:3).
One day I will see God and it will be awesome.
The Bible does tell me I will see God when I get to Heaven. I’m not sure how all that will work – seeing Someone invisible. But I know that my reaction will be how beautiful and awesome God will be.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)
Seeing God is an experience you have to get ready for.
If you missed the eclipse, you missed it. I talked with people who just weren’t interested in the solar eclipse and they weren’t changing their day. Others were going to experience the eclipse, but decided not to make the trip to experience it fully. But those of us who traveled to Ohio and experienced it all said, “It was worth the trip.” Those who receive the Son of God (Jesus) as personal Lord and Savior, will see God. It will be totally worth it. But if you miss Him in this life, you will miss God forever. I guarantee, it will be totally worth it when you see God.
The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve him. They shall see his face (Revelation 22:3,4)
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
How was your experience? Any thoughts?