Dear friends,

Did you see it?  Did you get a glimpse?  As you probably know, on Monday, everyone in our part of the world had the chance to see at least a partial solar eclipse. For those of us who made the pilgrimage to get closer to the path of totality, it appeared as though the sun was disappearing in the middle of the day.

The sky grew (a little) darker. Trees and their leaves reflected crescent shadows. The temperature dropped a whole FIVE degrees here in Austin.  And some animals and insects, confused by these things, began their evening routines.  It seemed like everyone paused for at least a few moments during those three hours – kids were let out classrooms, diners walked away from meals, some businesses even closed. People joined together to witness this stunning event; to enjoy God’s good creation.  

It was a sacred moment.  And it’s a good reminder for us.  Can you imagine if we did this every day?  If we all, at a designated time, paused to take in the beauty of the earth that is right in front of our eyes. I wonder what new things we would see. 

While we won’t experience another eclipse until 2024, God’s stunning creation surrounds us each and every moment of each and every day.  Take some time today, even just a few minutes, to enjoy God’s sacred gift.  For as the psalmist says, The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands.  

With you in Christ’s embrace,

Laura