An Ethereal Optical Illusion

As with most of the population, I needed the assistance of wearing corrective lens since I was in the 3rd grade. So, for ¾ of my life, in order to see clearly I needed eyeglasses, contact lens and sometimes both. As I get more mature (I simply refrain and sometimes cringe from saying the word older), fine print smaller than a 12 point font size becomes difficult to focus, especially if I have been on the computer for extended periods of time.

A few nights ago, I went to bed about 1:00 in the morning. After turning the lights off and removing my glasses to go to bed, through the Palladian window in my bathroom came the glow of a beautiful half moon. I had to stop for a moment before getting in my bed, put my glasses back on and moon gaze for a moment.

After standing there for a couple of minutes staring at the moon, I saw this night star as I have never seen it before. I took my glasses off and peered at the moon again. Due to my nearsightedness, the moon appeared full, not half. Although with my glasses on, my focus was clearer and I saw the moon as it actually appeared that night. However, the feeling I felt with my glasses off defined a different, spiritual emotion for me.

I love absorbing the sight of a full moon each month. It simply makes me look up to the heavens and take in this awesome night light and everything surrounding it. But since I missed seeing the full moon this month due to inclimate weather, this moment was one that made me look and visualize the fullness of its brilliance in a completely different light (no pun intended). Although this was an ethereal optical illusion, that moment of what I thought I saw, made me realize that God has a way of allowing you to see, what others look at but do not see, even if you are nearsighted like me.

Shine on Harvest Moon!

Harvest Moon: On Stage Tonight!

If you had an opportunity to witness that beautiful Harvest Moon tonight, it was completely mesmerizing. I had to run grab my binoculars and soak in that beautiful golden glow as the moon began to slowly rise when the sun set in the West. This is the last full moon of the summer for this year. A photograph or watching the harvest moon on television is nothing compared to standing outside and looking at how awesome and magnificent this beautiful creation of God, makes you stop wherever you are and say, “Wow!” Shine on Harvest Moon!

Reflection in the Midnight Waters

While penning some thoughts in my journal of recollections from the day’s events, something mystical interrupted the flow of my writing. For many people who know me, you understand how fascinated I am by the celestial kaleidoscope that appears on a clear night, especially when there’s a full moon perched in the heavens among the stars. I must share this experience with you stargazers out there who would appreciate this reflection. On the first night of this New Year, January 1, 2010, I walked by one of the Palladian windows in our house and the bright light that reflected through the window magnetically drew me to its presence. If anyone noticed and if it was a clear night in your neck of the woods, there was a perfect full moon casting its heavenly bright light over the land. As I stood awestruck, I was compelled to get a better look at this breathtaking wonder from my back door.

We have a small lake at the back of our house, and while you could see the reflection of house lights rippling amid the currents in the midnight waters, the reflection of that full moon took center stage and was simply mesmerizing. I cannot begin to tell you what an ethereal feeling this was, just to stand there looking up at that bright, spotlight shining down on little ole me. I had to thank God for another opportunity to witness such an incredible gift that He created on the 4th day, in the Beginning.

So even if you missed this beautiful sight on that first night of this New Year, just remember that some of the most incredible beauty lies among the heavens in a galaxy beyond our grasp, but no doubt a panoramic snapshot reminding us to embrace its exquisiteness. A love song reminded me of these special moments of intimacy that was recorded by a group named The Stylistics (circa 1970’s). It’s called “Stop, Look, Listen (to your heart)”. Sometimes you feel so unworthy by the natural wonders that surround us in one way or another on a daily basis. However, I cherish those special moments, any time of the day or night, where I feel that incredible connection and intimacy with God. It is then, I am reminded, that I am anchored in His love, mercy and grace. So every now and then, look up and humbly embrace the presence of Almighty God through His awe-inspiring wonders. And the best part: There is no purchase required!