Of all the footage, dialogue, and shared memories, the Moon, white in the blue Florida sky, framed by an Apollo 11 cockpit window, is my favorite.
As a few lucky men await a fiery launch into their future and our history, battling the inner turmoil that must accompany even the bravest of pioneers, a vision of their mission floats visibly and reassuringly in broad daylight.
Anyone can have a noble mission, but do you have vision? Proverbs 29:18 tells us of the significance of vision.
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.
In no game of Taboo is the word “happy” listed beneath the word “law.” Yet, we know that “all the Law and all the Prophets hang on these two commandments,” loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:35-40). The heart of God’s law is love, which begets joy.
How can we ensure joy on our journeys? How can we stay focused on the mission to love God and others? Solomon recommends vision.
Vision: the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.
Without vision, we risk drifting off course. We risk lawlessness and sorrow.
Establishing vision is not a one time thing; it’s a work-in-progress kind of thing. Growth in wisdom or a burst in creativity sharpens our visions and further illuminates the mission. And in a world that does not relate God’s law to joy, it is essential to keep our visions visible.
At the forefronts of our schedules, decisions, actions.
Perhaps tangible.
Etched on our hearts.
Lest we forget.
You can guarantee the Apollo 11 astronauts did not forget the vision for their mission as they trained. And, as they awaited departure, how could they forget with the very Moon looking back at them?
Maybe we forget the Moon when the sun veils the universe. But may we remember the reason for it all when the Moon arcs across the day sky. May we remember not only the mission, but maintain the vision to get us there.
Do you have vision? Is it visible?