This morning was the solar eclipse in our corner of the world.  We got to watch it from our peaceful, rural front yard in the totality zone.  Wow.  So thankful we got to experience this majestic phenomenon right at home.  Where did you view it?  What struck you about the experience?  Several things surprised me, although this is my third solar eclipse experience.  It was surprisingly bright, but grew steadily colder until the last sliver of sun disappeared behind the moon at which time it was so dark we could see some stars.  During the moments of total eclipse, the beauty of the corona glowing eerily with pale white wings was stunning.  Then suddenly, in the darkness, a bright light appeared like a spotlight being turned on.  The light was so brilliant and white and instant that the landscape looked strange.  Like no natural light I have ever seen.  Husband’s face looked pale and white, unusual for my ruddy complected love.  It amazed me that such a tiny sliver of sunlight could illuminate the earth with such cold intensity.  The whole experience made me grateful that our Creator shows us little glimpses of his magnificence.  I choose to bow before him, yet I know he never forces anyone to believe.  He could blow us away with his power, but he chooses to woo us gently and tenderly.  I gladly acknowledge his awesome design for the universe, but some resist any suggestion of intelligent design.  Yet they aren’t wiped out, in fact, God gives them the freedom to mock him, ignore him, and disavow his existence.  All with the body and brain he gave them.  If our powerful Maker is this patient with those who set themselves against him, I guess I’d better be patient with them, too.

Is there someone in your life who doesn’t believe?  Do you have a gracious attitude toward them, remembering that God is patient with them even tho they push him away?  Can you be loving and generous even tho they may push you away?

I read an excellent article HERE on a long accepted scientific theory that was debunked by a solar eclipse.  When Einstein suggested a new theory about gravity, the scientific community ridiculed him.  But an English scientist thought of a way to test Einstein’s idea by observing a total solar eclipse.  The results proved Einstein’s theory correct and the 232-year-old theory wrong.  Which goes to show us that scientific theories, even popular ones, can be wrong.  Which is why it’s a good idea not to base your life beliefs on science which may change.

During the eclipse, Husband and I listened to an informative podcast at BreakPoint called The Solar Eclipse and God’s Glorious Design  HERE  So amazing how many factors must be exact in order for us to be able to view an eclipse.

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”  Matthew 10:42

This afternoon, I got word that a dear one had died.  The tears rolled as I read the message that the man I had lovingly called Papa Berry had gone home to his God.  He had been so kind to me when I was a young teenager growing up with a single mom.  He was the father of my best friend and the present dad I never had.  He (probably unknowingly) modeled what a Christian man was.  My own absent father was the opposite of Papa Berry who quietly, good-naturedly gave his family the gift of being present, taking them to church, and providing for them.  Just the day-to-day stuff that faithfulness is made of.  If you had seen him, he would have looked like a very ordinary man.  Nothing impressive about his job, his possessions, his education, or his appearance.  But in the realm of the heart, he was a super-hero.  He welcomed this hurting teen to share his small home and simple meals with his own five children.  He laughed,  He joked.  Oh, I loved his dry sense of humor.  What a welcome change from my sober, practical, disciplined ’German army’ grandmother who helped raise me.  His home radiated laughter, music (from the small upright piano in the corner of the living room), and life. It was my refuge.  (I am grateful, tho, for my grandmother who modeled a strong work ethic, drive, and self-discipline.)

In his home, I learned how a family does things.  Being an only child in a broken home, I desperately needed to see how families should work.  His wife loved on me in the same way, modeling a Christian wife and mother with laughter and grace.  I would often find my way to their house after school because the empty apartment I shared with my working mother wasn’t appealing compared to the bursting-with-life little house of my best friend.  When I came in her door, I knew her mom would be there.  Usually she was in the back room ironing.  There we would sit and tell her stories of our day while she ironed and laughed with us.  I can still picture her doubled over her ironing board with laughter at some silly story we had told about school that day.  I felt so accepted. A part of a happy, loving family instead of feeling apart.  The stability that my friend’s mom and dad gave to my life cannot be overstated.  They were my lifeline, my rock, my heroes.  I saw them serving others; he faithfully leading in his church and she patiently listening to other’s woes, offering them encouragement.  What they gave me was beyond price.  The debt I owe them cannot be repaid.  I can’t imagine where I would be today had they not pulled me into their family circle and loved on me.  Rest in peace, dear Papa Berry.  I’ll see you again in that better land one of these days where there will be no years or miles between us. You’ll see clearly then how much you did for me.  I know you’ll be surrounded by the many, many others you helped.  And we’ll all be laughing again together with the greatest Man, the one who made you the man you are.

“Come . . .inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.   

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’  Matthew 25:35-40

Who are you loving on?  I hope you realize how important you are and what an important work you are doing by simply spending time with someone who needs it.  An open home and an open heart are the greatest gifts you can give another human being.  We are all hurting in some way.  Your home can be a refuge for someone who is hurting this week; someone who is hungry for relationship and thirsty for encouragement.  Remember that you don’t have to be or possess anything extraordinary to make a difference in someone’s life.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:24-25

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