It wasn't many years ago I took my boys camping high in the Uinta Mountains, far away from city lights. It had been a long day, filled with adventures and exploration. As we lay in our tent, tired from a long day of play, we gazed through the window of the tent into the starry expanse of the heavens.
Mitch said softly, "Dad, how big is space?" I remembered wondering that same thing when I was his age.
“... one thing I know, I am in heaven right here with you”
"Well," I said, "scientists have learned a lot about space since I was a kid. So far, we can't see the end of space. In fact, they say the universe is so big, it isn't possible for humans to comprehend it."
Mitch thought for a moment and then said, "Wow, that's amazing."
A few minutes passed, soothed by the melodic song of crickets, then Mitch said, "So, Dad, is heaven up there?" I paused a moment and said, "I think heaven will surprise us. But one thing I know, I am in heaven right here with you." Mitch smiled and snuggled up to me. I put my arms around him as we fell asleep.
There, in my arms, was little Mitch frail and curious. Above me, a universe so vast, my finite mind couldn't comprehend something so infinite. Mitch and I lay on the ground, high in the mountains, less than a speck in the cosmos. Somewhere in the middle of the finite and infinite I held the universe in my arms, grateful to be alive.
Be sure to learn more about the full solar eclipse.
It's happening in 1 week and it will never happen again. At least in your lifetime.
We hope you take a moment on Monday, August 21, 2017, to experience any portion of the eclipse and look upon the sky with a child-like sense of awe.