A final frontier

There was a time that space was touted as the final frontier as we could see space, we existed in space, but, we had not traveled in space. Then history occurred and it was, “one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind” (Neil Armstrong, July, 1969). After that singular event, there have been many trips to space and as is wont to happen, tragedies of monumental proportions that have mingled in our memories with the many auspicious accomplishments.

We watched the astronauts, swaddled in those seemingly uncomfortable hot suits, march off smiling to take a seat in a small cylindrical cone atop a liquid bomb. Men and women nonchalantly walking like they were simply sauntering off on a sunny day on the way to the office.

Later we would see how they were strapped into pod-like seats in a circular fashion as they waited for that fuel to be ignited and they would be shot far out into the stratosphere.

Wonder what they are thinking all confined behind the heavy metal doors before the thrust of the rockets literally toss them away from the earth?

Perhaps, it’s unease. Realizing that things should go well, but, will they? Maybe they’re thinking about all that they are leaving behind, hurtling towards a possible end they can’t control. They have chosen to go this route, willing to take a chance on the ingenuity, meticulous attention to detail and intellect of their colleagues who built the rockets carrying them and their cramped home away from home and the applied science that fuels their ascent into outer space.

We have lots of choices in this life. To live in a way that enhances the lives of others or to be selfish and only care about our own needs. We can be copious consumers paying particular attention to what we wear, drive and eat or we can reach out and see that the needs of others are met. Because at the end of this life, when we are strapped into a wooden box (and we know it is coming one day), and speedily shot into the presence of the most High God, what will you be thinking about then? Happy that you will now face your Savior (whoever that might be) or afraid of the reception that might await you? Like traveling into space, passing from this earthly life to the eternal is a journey we all will take.

What are you doing in preparation for your final frontier?

Boomer wisdom encourages you to make choices that you can feel proud about if you were to breathe your last on the way to eternity this day. And, never overlook a chance to tell people that you love them. Only the living can appreciate your authentic affections for the place they hold in your heart.

Ecclesiastes 9:12 (NIV) Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.

In memory of Nikki Perryman and Nikki (Yvonne) Hall