Since experiencing the awe-inspiring solar eclipse along the path of totality in 2017, Luke and I have been eagerly awaiting our next viewing. That opportunity finally came last week when we traveled 7 hours by plane and 3 hours by car to Waco, Texas, in hopes of again seeing this incredible phenomenon. When we told people of our upcoming trip, many who had never seen a total solar eclipse wondered at our excitement and willingness to travel so far. I mean, eclipses are cool, but they aren’t THAT cool, right? And, can’t you just put on your glasses and see a bit of it from here? Well, if you’re talking about a partial solar eclipse outside the path of totality, I would agree with you. It’s pretty neat to stare up at the huge cookie bite in the sun through solar glasses and experience the associated temperature drop, interesting shadows, and darkened midday sky. But, a TOTAL solar eclipse is something far more spectacular and well worth the travel to be able to fully take it in!
Though our plans worked out to travel to the path of totality, we found ourselves powerless against the whims of the weather to guarantee a viewing. The forecast for eclipse day was overcast skies and thunderstorms, casting a shadow of uncertainty on our chances of seeing what we came for. It may have seemed silly to some, but we prayed a lot and enlisted others to pray as well that God might part the clouds—not just for us but for all those who were gathered to see the grandeur of this event, especially those who would be seeing it for the first time.
We had the joy of meeting up with some friends who recently moved to Texas as well as another friend who traveled from Boise to watch the eclipse. After scrutinizing the forecasted cloud coverage to find an optimal viewing spot, our friends suggested a location where breaks in the clouds seemed most promising. As we sat and visited and waited, hope surged with occasional glimpses of blue sky. However, just before totality, a dark cloud veiled the sun. The collective prayer on all our hearts was, “Please, Lord, move this cloud long enough for us to at least get a glimpse of this incredible display of your glory!” Though we didn’t see totality hit, we felt the temperature drop and saw the skies get especially dark, signaling it was safe to remove our solar glasses. Everyone in the park peered longingly where we knew the sun was…hoping.
Then, just seconds after it had started, the Lord kindly answered our prayers—parting the clouds and giving us full visibility of His incredible power and grand creation. Awe filled us all and an uproar of cheers, whistles, clapping, and whoops erupted from the crowd. Luke hollered out, “Glory!!!” Indeed, it was glorious—a dark sky in the middle of the day, the ability to stare directly at the sun with the naked eye, a ring of fire, a visible solar flare, the appearance of stars and planets, and a 360-degree sunset! Even the bats came out, tricked by the illusory night sky. As the total eclipse of the sun continued for four beautiful minutes, a symphony of sporadic cheers seemed to mingle with silent revelry. Then, it was time for my favorite part—the moment known as the “diamond ring,” when totality ends and a radiant burst of sunlight shoots forth from behind the moon. In that fleeting moment, I felt like I was getting a very small glimpse of what it must have been like at creation when “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good” (Genesis 1:3). Indeed, it was good. “The heavens declared the glory of God, and the sky above proclaimed his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). We are so very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it!
Although the next total solar eclipse won’t pass through the contiguous United States until 2044, there are opportunities abroad for those with the wanderlust bug. One will be marching through Iceland and Spain on August 12, 2026, through parts of the Middle East on August 2, 2027, and through Australia & New Zealand on July 22, 2028. We are already talking with family and friends about how we could make the trek to one of these locations happen. If you’re interested, let us know! We would love a chance to revel in God’s glory on display with you!
By Katie Miller
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