Monday night found Rachel and I talking about stars in the field. The base has light poles that stay on all night, so seeing the stars is a little tricky. They were pretty visible on Monday night though.
We talked about seeing the stars from lightyears away. How what we were seeing was actually years in the past. I began to feel a sense of awe as we talked. I’ve always loved stars. They’re probably my favorite of God’s creation.
Have you ever thought about how beautiful earth is? That God made us a planet that is not only habitable but beautiful. Space is different. It’s not naturally safe for us, yet it still draws us like moths to a flame. The stars’ ethereal beauty is something that ancient cultures not only acknowledged, but they tried to explain the world through them. Humanity has always sought to reach for the stars.
As I was pointing out Orion to Rachel, because that’s the only constellation I can consistently find, a streak of light passed by Orion’s Belt. The only word I can use to describe it is magnificent. Rachel and I had just witnessed our very first shooting star. I was immediately reminded of Psalm 97:6.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
How could I look up and not see God’s creative hand? How could my heart not speed up at seeing a shooting star? How could I not become giddy with the realization that God let me see that shooting star because he was telling me that he loves me? Life really is amazing. Not easy by far, but amazing nonetheless.
When the sun goes down
And the lights burn out
Then it’s time for you to shine
Brighter than a shooting star
So, shine no matter where you are
Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light
‘Cause it’s time for you to shine
Brighter than a shooting star
So, shine no matter where you are tonight
-Shooting Star by Owl City
