On April 8 I had the privilege of experiencing a total solar eclipse for the first time. I had witnessed a few partial eclipses before, but there is nothing like seeing the moon completely darken the sun in the middle of the day. It is an awesome experience that is worth the hype.

Online I saw many people mention that they were at around 95% totality in their area and felt that the experience was underwhelming. Even a small percentage of coverage like that makes a huge difference because everything changed dramatically once that tiny sliver of sunlight disappeared. What an awe-inspiring moment to be able to look directly at the sun’s position in the sky. My family and I all agreed that we wished it could have lasted longer than just the few minutes that it did.

Reflecting on that experience, I thought about the times in my life when the darkness blotted out my view of the light. I’ve had times, as we all have, that resembled that eclipse – when it seemed that the shadows had taken over and I would never see joy again. Although those times didn’t last long in comparison to the overall collection of my life’s moments, they certainly made an impact. And the light always returned.

What was notable to me about observing this eclipse was that even as the moon completely covered the light, we were still fully aware and in awe of the raw power that remained behind it. We couldn’t remove our glasses until the rays had fully disappeared, and we could not continue gazing with the naked eye as soon as they reappeared. It served as a reminder to me that no matter how dark it gets, the intensity of the light can not be contained.

In the dead of night, in the darkest storms, the strength and power and might of our God never rests. Even in our weakness, even when we have spiritual blindness, He remains steadfastly in control. I am so grateful for His forces that are greater than myself. 

What an incredible gift to look up into the sky and witness the flawless, intricate design of an extraordinary creator. What a freedom to let go of my need for control and my desire for understanding and just be held by the One who sprang forth the stars and moons and galaxies. What an inspiration to stay on course.