good night, moon

A few months ago, we were driving home from my in-laws' around bedtime. Bubba was looking out the window of our minivan at the full moon in the sky. "Is the moon following us?" he asked.

After a while, we changed directions, no longer driviing East, but South. As the highway twisted and turned, the moon wound up behind us, out of Bubba's line of sight. He became very upset. "Where did the moon go?" he cried, "Where is the moon?" We reassured him that the moon was, in fact, still in the sky, just behind us. By that time, the road had wound along so that the moon was visible out the windows on the other side of the car. Comforted by the sight of his "friend" again, he drifted off to sleep about 4 blocks from home.

I remember being a young girl, coming home late from my Grandmom's house and being conforted by the sight of the moon, too. Something I saw in the sky all the time, seeming to follow us to make sure we got home OK.

It was a reminder of how God watches over us and is always looking out for us, to make sure that we "get home" to Him OK. Sometimes, we drive in a different direction, taking our eyes off him so that He seems invisible to us, but He is always there.

The sun is probably a better direct comparison to God that the moon is, if we're going to use heavenly bodies. The moon's appearance is always changing, while the sun remains constant. Even on a cloudy day, the sun provides light and warmth. Even as our souls are clouded by sin, and we can't see God, He is waiting for us and providing for us. He is constant while we are so fickle!

The Canticle of the Sun by St. Francis of Assisi

Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.

Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.

Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.

Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.

Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.