Venus Transits and Geranium Leaves



This photo was taken "just as the Sun
went behind some trees at Pinnacle
 Mountain State Park (AR) by my boss's
friend. Ed Swaim. He was projecting
the image from a small telescope
onto a little metal screen."

 Yesterday was the big day, the day we humans could view through specially-made space telescopes a twice-a-century event called the "Venus Transit" when the orbit of the planet Venus' takes it between Earth and the sun. You can see Venus, the little round black dot on the sun in the picture to the right. It's no eclipse by any means, but it does serve as an amazing reminder of the size and grandeur of the sun. Venus is called Earth's twin because there are only about 400 miles difference in the diameters of the two planets. And, remember our sun is small compared to other stars in the universe, like Betelgeuce, who's circumference would fall somewhere between Mars and Jupiter if it were to suddenly jump into the place of our Sun.  For a jaw-dropping perspective of planet and star sizes go to www.kiroastro.com/writings/perspective . 

"God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.

Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening."

Psalm 19:1-2 (The Message)

And then there are the little wonders in my own backyard like geranium leaves. While I was watering a pot of brilliant coral red geraniums this morning, I accidently broke off a stem and couldn't help but notice how lovely and perfect geranium leaves are, yet, how seldom they get much attention.  They collect sunshine and turn it into nourishment for the plant, yet they rarely get much personal admiration. Take a look at those scalloped, bright green workers and remember, we're all small compared to some, but that doesn't excuse us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives or celebrating Him and the wonders He's made. 

  "Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to Him by name!

      Tell everyone you meet what He has done!

   Sing Him songs, belt out hymns,

      translate His wonders into music!

   Honor His holy name with Hallelujahs,

      you who seek God. Live a happy life!

   Keep your eyes open for God, watch for His works;

      be alert for signs of His presence.

   Remember the world of wonders He has made,"

Psalm 105:4 (The Message)