July 20, 2020

Over the past week, there has been a welcome celestial distraction from the ongoing news of COVID-19 and protests. Appearing just after sunset, low in the northwest sky is the NEOWISE comet, streaking past our planet at 144,000 mph. Yes, this comet is visible to the naked eye.

Upon hearing this, my wife and I dutifully strolled to the highest point in the Twin Cities, Tower Hill Park in Minneapolis, at the foot of the Witch’s Tower.

Over the last few nights, we have made several attempts to see the comet so close to home, but have been unsuccessful.

The first night we tried, we started too early and the sky was still too bright. The next night, there were too many clouds in the direction of the comet. Last night, hearing the sky was clear(er), and leaving well after 10pm, we trekked once more to the top of the hill to spot the comet.

We were unsuccessful. There was too much light pollution from the city to see the sight.

Others have had more success. We have seen beautiful, breathtaking images from other observers across the midwest, even one paired with the Aurora Borealis over Lake Superior. We heard scientists on the radio directing us where to look. We even downloaded a star-tracking app to guide us at night, only to still not be able to see the comet.

Sometimes, even with all of the right tools, direction, and energy, you still don’t get to see what you set out to see.

Experiencing God can be like this, sometimes. Others speak about how much they are encountering God, or experiencing God in their day-to-day lives, even though you can’t see God at that moment. You hear stories, listen to experts, read your Bible, and even download apps and devotionals to guide your search, and there is still too much pollution or distortion to see God.

Nonetheless, God is still there. Shining, working, soaring.

Faith can sometimes feel like looking for stars that can’t be found, but the richness of a relationship with God the creator is a blessing, even when it feels like we are staring into the dark night. God is still there, shining just beyond our eyes.

Even though I haven’t seen the NEOWISE comet, I trust that it is there. And I will try again to find it, until I ultimately do.

Amen.

-dan arvid nelson.