. . .Upon A Star

2 Peter 1:19 -- "And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

The sound of lazy waves halfheartedly hitting the bulk-head and the creaking of old dock pylons could only barely be heard over the orchestra of crickets, cicadas, and frogs. Now and then a rhythmic knocking could be heard - like a wood-pecker hunting up grubs, but the rest of the night belonged to the four of us spread out in fold out chairs with our eyes glued heavenward.

The fresh brackish air intermingled with the smell of bug repellent and tickled the stray hair around my ears. I could not help but smile at what we must have looked like: Grandpa and Grandma Saunders, my date [aka, my husband, Steven], and I - necks strained awkwardly as we all looked up at the moon, waiting for her to put on her fantastic show.

There would be a full lunar eclipse. And while it didn't take long to unfold, the moments seemed to tick by slowly as we all anticipated on waited breath.

Every detail engraved itself permanently on my brain. I could tell you that Grandma and Grandpa were talking about the way things had changed since Grandpa built this house and the dock that stretched out its long arm into the tannin rich waters of Doctor's Inlet. Grandma talked about how many grandchildren she'd watched play on the dock, fish for blue crabs with bits of bacon tied to string, and launch water craft into the lake beyond for afternoons of sun and surf. All the while, Steven and I asked questions, listened to the cadence of a couple married for a long time, but remained acutely aware of each other.

I paid attention. This was our very first "we are more than friends" date together. I remember everything. This was a gift. Something important. The beginning of something that both over-filled my senses with hope and terrified me.

Something about that night kept whispering to me - pay attention.

I'm glad I did. Not only did I end up marrying the wonderful blond haired, blue-eyed man next to me - but the black night full of stars and the bright red moon covered in shadow would mark one of the last times I'd cherish the company of both of my grandparents together. In a few short months following that wonderful evening, my Grandfather went home to be with Jesus.

Yes, a night of importance to be sure.

Taking a  look around at the crazy world that seems to be spinning so much faster than it did in my youth, I can't help but think that the older I get, the more crazy things seem. Is violence on the rise now? Or am I just noticing more because I have children? Are anti-Christian politics taking over our country? Or is it just that I'm more aware of the long-term consequences because of my age? Am I paying attention to the right things?

God grants us precious moments, special and personal gifts every single day. In what would seem an increasingly dark place, God sets alight countless stars that twinkle and burn brightly. Am I paying attention? Can I spot the twinkle amid the ink-black darkness?

I love the verse in 2 Peter because we are told to pay attention to the light. Take care to notice the bright in a dark environment. Remember every detail. We have never been closer to the realization of prophecies from long ago, we would do well to remember that in the midst of what seems to be a never-ending storm, black with sadness, bloodshed, and the denial of God - the sun shines brightly just beyond the raging winds. Our Son will rise soon.

Pay attention.

There is blessed hope in that.