Enchanted Wonders!

We went out to our backyard late in the evening on July 4^th, lit up a campfire, set up the telescope, and after applying a few generous layers of bug repellent sat back to view the night sky.

We had gathered to witness the lunar eclipse but were held in awe by so many other “hosts” on that enchanted evening.

The full “Buck” moon graced the sky as it silently kept its course toward other horizons.  We slowly readjusted our chairs several times to keep a clear view hoping not to miss the moment that the sun and moon met but were distracted by the skilled aerodynamics of the bats.

And, just as the light of the moon was dimmed by the treetops a few flickering lights appeared in the lilac bush.  A group of Fireflies had joined us and were putting on a most magical light show!

The smell of the fire, the warmth of the summer air, the star-filled sky, the magnificent moon moving ever steadily toward an unseen sun, the antics of the bats, and the enchanted fireflies made for a most blessed evening.

As I sat there savoring every bit of it the words of Psalm 8 came to mind,

“When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is humankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?”

Like the Psalmist, I asked, ‘why would a Creator who has put so much detail into star-filled skies, full moons, and magical eclipses be mindful of me?’

As the bats entertained and the Fireflies charmed I decided God created me to offer praise and worship in response to such beauty.  I suspect God is deeply praised by my wonder and awe. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Mat 18:3)

As the author and Theologian G.K. Chesterton wrote,  “We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.”

May your summer be filled with childish awe at the sight of God’s countless wonders!

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

The photo with this Blog was taken by Patrick Hendry