Flourishing Life

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My grandmother gave me a book about space exploration when I was very young. In it were pictures of the astronauts on the moon, the various spacecraft we had used to explore low earth orbit, and pictures of planets and stars yet to be explored. Among them were, of course, Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. Armstrong died last Saturday, reminding us all of the great heights to which our nation once aspired. I wonder if we will continue to aspire to great things in the future? But, I digress. 

I was fascinated with science and amazed that the moon I could see in the night sky could be trod upon by a human being. I was in awe of what humanity was capable. At NASA, people like Neil Armstrong were inspired by President Kennedy to go far beyond what anyone could have possibly imagined a generation earlier. And they did it. It seemed almost a miracle, except it was accomplished by hard working, intelligent people using the gifts and strengths God gave them. We need miracles, but this was not one of them. It’s truly amazing what God has put into the hearts of human beings, what dreams, what aspirations, what incredible goals. 

Where in your life is there “no path”? What is it that God is calling you to be and do that no one else can be or do until and unless you follow the dreams God has given you? People like Neil Armstrong have always inspired me to think outside the box and be the original God created me to be.