Thoughts on nature
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In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
I’m thinking a lot about nature this week. Spring is here, and all the trees and flowers are starting to fill out. Instead of browns and grays I see green, yellow, pink, white, and red when I look out my windows or drive down the road.
Nature here on earth is defined in many different ways like being the provider of our food sources, a filter for our air and water, a home and shelter for animals and people alike. But there are many other things that relate to nature that are not “of this world.”
Monday we will be looking to the sky to see something that happens a couple of times a year, BUT is seen in some areas only every 300 years. This time it will be seen by much of the United States as it crosses over the center of our country. Some areas will only see it in partiality, but others will see the TOTAL eclipse of the sun!
There will be approximately 40 million Americans who will have the opportunity to see this once-in-a-lifetime event. The moon will cross directly in front of the sun and block its light to earth. The length of time and amount of darkness will vary based on locations, and the entire event will happen over an approximate three-hour period from noon – 3 p.m. here in our area.
If you are going to go outside to watch this you need to BE PREPARED. You cannot look directly at the sun during this time because it can damage your eyes. You will need solar-safe glasses to protect your vision. I’m hoping that schools will set aside time for students to be able to experience this. There are different means to protect eyes that the science classes could incorporate into a learning tool.
I’m reading that the areas that will experience the total eclipse are preparing for crowds of people to pour into their towns and roadsides. They are preparing for people to need gas, food and hotels. Some states have prepared their law enforcement agencies for the influx of people AND for the possibility of accidents on the highways as people take their eyes off the road as the darkness grows.
In addition to the eclipse, there is a possibility of the devil comet being seen on April 21. I’m not sure how much of it will be seen in our area since it is going to be closer to the equator. There will be several other comets to be seen between now and early June, and they are best seen just before dawn or just after sunset. The best way to see these is with binoculars or telescopes and away from light pollution from houses and cities.
If you are interested in these events, check out the internet for more information.
I’m going to tie in a connection between the eclipse and Easter. Last weekend we experienced Holy Week with the memories of the last supper of Jesus and His disciples, the crucifixion of Jesus and the resurrection of the Son of God. I read more about these events this year than I had ever done so in the past and learned many “signs” to be considered.
During the last supper Jesus told His disciples He was going to be arrested, betrayed by them and then put to death. He assured them He would see them again. During the crucifixion darkness came over the area from noon to 3 p.m. The eclipse will last from noon to 3 p.m. as the darkness will come over parts of the world. Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus when He was seen by thousands of people before He ascended to Heaven. He told us He would return for us, and He would descend through the clouds.
We need to understand that God created nature, nature connects all of God’s creations, and nature touches each one of our lives in many ways. Mainly we rely on nature for our food, clothing, water, air, medicines, and weather. Remember all of nature was created BEFORE humans were created. So, these solar and lunar eclipses, comets, falling stars, thunder, lightning, and tides are created for us, also. One day we will fully understand this wonderful world in which we were born.
Parents – consider spending Monday with your kids! Once-in-a-lifetime events are an important learning opportunity! Have a great week!