It was the second observation of the moon in two days but each one is unique. The light and shadows change, the conditions change, and sometimes the method of observing changes. The evening before I was struck with the layout of Mare Imbrium, a huge feature that can even be seen with the naked eye. This evening I watched lunar dawn creeping along the floor of Sinus Iridum and was struck again by the light play and shapes. The real impact on me, however, is the work of the hand of God that created the scenes. He is real particular about addressing creation–leaving no room for silly notions of development by chance over billions of years or particles just coming together on their own to form an immense moon. Further, he cites the moon so many times as well as its primary purposes to provide light at night and to mark the seasons. So it does but it also presents a most interesting subject to observe.
The scripture is appropriate, since God made all things. I keep hearing my wife talk to children as she rhetorically asks them, “What does “all” include? Does it leave anything out? Does it mean all or everything?” Of course, the answer is yes. In the case of creation, the moon reminds me of the Isaiah scripture, but the same sentiment is repeated several times in other places: he made the greater and lesser lights (sun and moon) and the stars by His mighty hand.
I echo the Biblical sentiment–the moon part of “all” and is a most excellent created body that is a joy to observe. The observing occasion was special also. We were sitting on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River watching the constant motion of the water and the tugs working their barges up and down the channel. Sunset was beautiful and the night yielded a clear view of the moon.
It was a good evening … and day … to give thanks.
