Looking beyond for something greater

Kaitlyn Jensen, Online Editor
August 26, 2017

 On August 21, 2017, many people across the world came to visit the U.S for this extraordinary event to take place – the total solar eclipse. This event was a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people and will remain a memory that can be passed on to other generations.

 As I was anticipating this coming event the whole summer, I heard many things about it. Some people were saying “It’s the end of the world” or “the apocalypse is coming.” I didn’t really believe any of that, until it got closer. The town was telling everyone to grab groceries, fill up on gas, don’t use the internet so much because thousands of people would be on it. In a way, this did sound like it was the apocalypse. 

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In a way, this did sound like it was the apocalypse.

 

  The day finally arrived and I was ready to prove those people that the earth was not going to explode and kill off the human race. I went with my family and family friends out on Rich Lane on a farm to view it. The eclipse was so spectacular, it took your breath away because of how unreal it seemed. Waiting for it to happen was like waiting for a batch of cookies to finish cooking so I could eat them. It took so long to come and only lasted two minutes and it was over, but I can say this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I would never forget. This is something we’re going to pass on from generations to generations. We will be telling this to our kids and grandkids.

As the day went on after witnessing this event, I kept thinking about it. I was thinking about our world and our lifestyle. We go around in our busy lives and we never really focus on what’s going on around us. We are on our digital devices all day long, and we don’t realize the beauty that’s all around us until someone makes a big deal about it like the eclipse.

 Sure, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see – it was amazing. But how many times do we go through life, missing once in a lifetime opportunities that are around us? It seems as a society, we miss opportunities to witness something great, even if it’s small, unless someone points it out to us and we absolutely have to see it?

 My point is, yes the eclipse was beautiful and incredible, but are we looking for other opportunities this world is willing to show us? Are we going to continue after this and wait for the next big thing to happen, or are going to seek more opportunities to see nature produce its magic again, only in smaller, simpler ways? Are we going to spend more time with those we’re close with and make new once in a lifetime opportunities?

  I want to change my view on life. I want to look for more beautiful opportunities that life can offer. I think if we try and focus our lives a little bit more on these positive, simple things life can offer our lives would be more joyful and happy. I challenge you to look beyond and see the world in different eyes and capture those moments that you can treasure in your heart.