After all the excitement, anticipation, and research, we set out to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We put the location of Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, into the GPS, and arrived at this picturesque little town at lunchtime. We had seen glimpses of the sun, but it was mainly cloudy.

About 1:30 p.m., the skies began to clear. People had brought chairs, snacks, picnic lunches, and telescopes. As the time drew close for the eclipse, we could feel and see the anticipation of those around us, as people began trying on their eclipse viewing glasses.

Then it happened. It was very quiet as the eclipse began. We could hear the birds chirping and gasps from the people as they took in the event. The sky did not disappoint; it provided a picture-perfect canvas for the eclipse. When the sun was totally covered, the crowd let out loud cheers. We could hear the excitement in their voices as the darkness arrived, the street lights came on, and the eclipse glasses were laid aside. For what seemed like a good amount of time, we were shrouded in darkness, and we could feel the temperature drop. As we looked far out over Lake Erie, we could see bright sky in the distance during the actual eclipse. After four minutes, it was time to put the protective glasses back on as the sun began to reappear.

Numbers 14:10b-11 – Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. The Lord said to Moses, … "How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" (NIV)

What we witnessed was a bright, white sky and a shaft of light that was whiter than normal sunlight beaming down on us. It was beyond the words that I can use to describe it. As I have been telling people, it was like the glory of the Lord was shining upon us. As we watched it, I was truly in awe of Jesus, the light of the world. I still get goosebumps when I tell that to people. What an opportunity this day was for us to share the Lord with people who may not know Him!

What is etched on my mind is the huge numbers of people who were looking upwards toward the sky all across the continent, from Mexico to Canada. I wonder how many people will be looking at the sky when the Son of Man returns in glory! Jesus told His disciples, "For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes." (Luke 17:24 NLT) To whom will we have an opportunity to witness of the glory of the Lord before that happens?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Your love and creation are so far beyond our comprehension. Thank You that You still continue to show us the glory of Your being. Help us and guide us as we share and bear witness of this to all we meet. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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