More on Artists and Stars.

I came across the picture above on The Astronomy Picture of the Day Web Site earlier today. The picture of the astronomer/artist's hand sketching a picture of a view through his telescope of the planet Mercury passing in front of the Sun seemed like a good reminder of the need to be aware. Last week the planet had crossed in front of the view of our star allowing a number of equally impressive photographs of the event to be taken (link 1, link 2, link 3.) So what is the big deal about a small black dot passing across the sun? The event could not even be seen unless some one took special efforts (access to a telescope with special filters) to see it.

As I looked at these photographs, there seemed to be something more meaningful behind the event. Mark Seibold’s drawing of the event brings out the meaning for me; it reminded me about the importance of taking the time to be aware of the seemingly mundane events that happen in life. Too often, I find it easy to ignore the small happenings, being too busy looking for the big event. It is when I take the time to focus on the seemingly meaningless events that I am more often then not rewarded with an event much larger then I could have hoped for. Mr. Seibold’s drawing reminded me that taking a moment to observe Creation inspires me to become a creator myself.

So what have you become aware of in this moment?