There were those who were saying that this week's eclipse signaled the end of the world. One of the cohosts of the television show 'The View' said the eclipse and the recent earthquake in New Jersey and this year's rise in cicadas are all because of climate change. Others gushed that this was a once in a lifetime event and they bought special glasses for which to watch it.

While certainly unusual, it does happen at least two times a year in some part of the world. Some years have had five eclipses. Those who felt this marked the end of the world probably also thought the change of the millennium was the end of the world. There is a church in my area where the pastor is going to have to come up with some kind of explanation as to why Jesus didn't appear in the clouds. The woman who blamed climate change for eclipse and earthquake and cicadas apparently never had a single day of school. The ideal cohost for 'The View.' And those who insisted on watching it, you had a much better view watching the video on TV with no danger of frying your eyeballs.

There was an 'Eclipse Party' in the building where I live. Around noon I was getting off the elevator on the second floor where I live. and a lady was standing there with a cart filled with finger foods and bakery waiting to get on to go downstairs to get ready. "Are you coming down later?" "No. I'm going to pass on this one." That got me a dirty look. I don't go to events where there is alcohol and I don't go to bingo and things like that, and that and really bothers this woman. She has said to at least one other person that I must think I am too good for them, which is silly. This event had no drinking, as far as I know, but I just had no interest. My window by my computer overlooks the courtyard where the party was held and I could hear all the laughter and it sounded like a good time, but large groups like that bother me. And then came the big moment. The eclipse. I heard a few exclamations and then someone said, "What, that's it? I missed my nap for that?" I had to laugh. Climate change is so weird.

The thing I got out of this is that these events are so regular and so precise that they can be predicted centuries in advance, and you can follow the same formula and go back in time and see where it has happened before. Nature is like that in every respect. And for something to be so perfect, there must be a plan. 

I once pried the back off my father's wind-up pocket watch. I examined all the gears and springs. I took it apart to see the connections. (And no, I could not put it back together and yes, I was punished severely. I didn't always deserve the punishments I received, but I did that time.) I think now about that watch and the craftsmanship that went into its creation, and I am amazed. But all of the earth and the solar system and the whole galaxy all works in predictable union, crafted by the hand of God. That is just amazing beyond words.

Besides, I am still waiting for that once in a lifetime event that will likely never happen.....the Cleveland Browns winning a Super Bowl.

Blessings!