Have you ever had a time in your life where it seemed so bright and shiny and then all of a sudden things got very dark? You know, where you were happy and joyful and then everything changed with one call, one conversation, or even one look. Think about that time. What were you going through, feeling, experiencing during this dark time in your life? How long did it take for the darkness or gloom to overtake your joy?

The August 21, 2017 eclipse pretty much had me in awe. It was time for the moment of contact, I looked up, and one minute before contact there were clouds that came and overtook the sun. The supposedly one-time opportunity was gone with a simple cloud. Slowly, the clouds rolled away, though, and I could see the sun becoming eclipsed by the moon. Every few minutes during the entire eclipse process, I looked up to see how far along the eclipse was and then looked around to see how the trees and environment were changing.

Here are some things that really stuck out to me and ways in which we can apply the eclipse to our personal lives:

1. Right before the eclipse, it was as though there was a spotlight on everything; it was It was laser-focused. There are times when we are going through our dark times and it seems as though that’s all we can talk about, all we can see, and what we feel others see in us. We become laser-focused on our problem or circumstance.
2. Animals changed their behavior due to lack of light. I notice when I feel less light and joy in my life that my behavior changes. Actually, even my posture changes. I see the darkness coming and I begin to shut down just like the birds going back to their nests and resting for the night.
3. The temperature dropped. My temperature changes with others, too. I lose my cool or temper more quickly and I get sarcastic in my thinking and attitude.
4. Even though the moon covered the sun, the darkness still didn’t overtake all of the light. I loved that there was still light surrounding the darkness. For some reason I fully expected complete darkness. I was reminded that darkness cannot overcome the light. No matter how dark a situation feels, or truly is, there is still light leading us.
5. When darkness came, there was strangely a beautiful 360 degree sunset. I could take off my glasses and look at the sun. In the midst of the darkness, there was beauty. As much as I hate seeing people go through difficult situations, I find it awe-inspiring when they give praise and glory to God. There is something so beautiful about someone who praises God when they feel they are in complete darkness. They are refreshing!
6. As soon as the total eclipse was over (and right before it happened), a light pierced out that was so majestic. It reminded me that we have a chance to shine when darkness is overcoming us. And even when it does overcome our circumstances, light still wins.

I don’t know what you’re going through today. I don’t know what type of darkness is trying to steal your joy. Just know that no matter what, light wins. Whether you’re a follower of Jesus Christ or not, darkness will try to overtake your life with stress, sickness, cancer, busyness, just life in general. Know that LIGHT WINS!

Thinking about the side effects of the eclipse, which area do you struggle with the most when darkness tries to overcome you? Seek God in those moments and remember you are in a battle, but the war has been won. It’s time to let your joy shine!

© 2017 Susan M. Sims

Picture courtesy of Erica Sims.

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