When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Psalm 8:3-4
TAKE NOTE: Tonight, August 27, a lunar eclipse will be visible across North America from 9:33pm to 12:53am Central Time. Peak coverage of the earth’s shadow on the moon (96%) will be at 11:12pm. Forecast in the Chicago area is for clear skies.
Tonight’s celestial event puts a smile on my face because I have referenced the idea of a lunar eclipse more than one hundred times in books, during media interviews, and from speaker’s platforms.
During my talks to a roomful of dads, here’s how that always transpires. After establishing rapport with my audience including laughter, good-natured heckling, and a few aha! moments, I pause and say something like this:
“Question: Let’s say you hear a news story or notice online that there is going to be a lunar eclipse at 2:00am tonight. You have a second grader. It’s a school night. Does mom want you to wake up your second grader to see that eclipse?”
Every time, the dads in the audience chime back in unison, “NO!”
Then I say, “Should you?”
Every time, amidst chuckles, the men chime back even louder, “YES!”
Continuing the discussion, I’ll say, “The next day in school, when little Johnny or Sarah falls asleep after lunch, the teacher is going to come over and gently ask if they’re okay. Your second grader will probably say, ‘Yes, ma’am. I’m just a little tired. My dad woke me up last night to see the lunar eclipse.’ A good teacher will smile and think Good job, Dad. And all the other kids in class will be . . . what?”
The dads in my audience will understand and many will shout out, “Jealous.”
Then I say, “How long will little Johnny or Sarah remember this?
Again, just about every man in that church, gym, classroom, or auditorium will speak in unison, “Forever.”
Then, I follow up with a little teaching that includes some basic planetary science. For example, Dads, please don’t confuse a lunar eclipse (a relatively rare event) with the monthly lunar phases. A lunar eclipse requires the sun, earth and moon to be in line with each other. Three heavenly bodies in alignment is known as syzygy. The much more common phases—full, half, quarter, and crescent moons—result from the sun off to the side illuminating and making visible part or all of the moon. Hope that makes sense, because you may need to explain it your kids. If you like, do a little extra research.
While you’re out there staring into the sky, feel free to point out the Big Dipper and the North Star. Casually mention who hung the stars and even suggest that God’s hand stretches from horizon to horizon. Then send them back to bed with a new appreciation for God’s design and for you, Dad, as a source of wisdom.
By the way, tonight is also a “blood moon” which appears red because you’re looking at the typically white moon through the earth’s atmosphere which filters out the blue light. Share that if you like. And maybe also remind your precious child that you love them to the moon and back.
I first told this story in my best-selling book, 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad. Chapter 50 also covers fireflies, rainbows, and why geese fly in V-formation.
One more thought. If you’re a grandparent, maybe forward this on to your son or son-in-law. It’s a no-brainer, especially if those dads have a curious grade schooler at home.
Also, I know very well that moms can also do science stuff and have wisdom to share. But much of my personal ministry is encouraging dads to step up. Okay?
Best,
/jay
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What’s Up with Jay?
Hoping to give my crowd-pleasing and patriotic presentation on “Happy Semiquincentennial, America!” a few more times before the end of America’s 250th birthday year. If you’re part of a group — library, Kiwanis, Rotary, school, church — I’ll be glad to stop by for a lively reading and author Q&A, for a modest honorarium. Text 630-373-7899.
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