Last summer I went on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park– it was like being on Animal Planet.
Even though we saw elephants, lions, zebras, hippos, and more wildlife, the most memorable part of our safari weekend was the moon.
After a long day taking in the beautiful landscape of the Savanna and going on countless game drives and a water safari, the sun had finally set and it was time to head back to our lodge.
I was with nine other interns from HEAL Ministries and the most kind, knowledgable safari driver, Wilson. As you can imagine, the Savanna has zero light pollution. The grassland is filled with nothing but trees and shrubs, and we were thankful for the lack of light because it allowed us to see the most incredible, star-filled sky we could've ever imagined. We all sat there on top of the van completely in awe at the thousands of bright stars decorating the dark sky.
We asked Wilson to pullover, shut the van headlights off and admire God's creation with us. Most of the interns agreed they had never seen a sight so beautiful, and as sleepy eyes got the best of us, we decided to keep driving.
As Wilson started up the van again, one intern pointed out that there was no moon in the sky. I told her that it was probably better that way because the light from the moon would detract from the stars we'd be able to see.
I've never been more wrong. A few minutes later, a few girls pointed to a bright orange sliver of light slowly rising from behind a hill in the distance. Our jaws simultaneously dropped as we realized we were watching the moon rise over the Savanna. Just as I thought the night sky couldn't have gotten any more beautiful, I was smacked in the face (in the most gentle way) with a moon rise to prove me wrong.
We all used the Safari Moon as a metaphor for the way God works in our lives. How silly of me to think that God's plan isn't always going to be better than what I can see in front of me and what I have planned for myself. There's always more in store, and through trials and tribulations we will each get to the glorious place we're supposed to be. We'll each have our own magical Safari Moon type of nights.
Every time I see a bright orange moon (which sadly, isn't too often) I'm reminded of this night on the safari, and I'm comforted in knowing that the bigger picture is in God's hands.
And on that note… “Alexa, play God's Plan by Drake”.
