Ice on Mars – what's in it for us?
The recent discovery of ice on Mars by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration probe Phoenix offers interesting possibilities for future research and discovery. The presence of water suggests life, although the form, quantity, and history of that life are open to speculation.
Significant astronomical breakthroughs such as this one intrigue our world, and rightly so. It's amazing that scientists could send a probe so far from Earth and receive an accurate sample analysis in return.
Scientific exploration reminds us of the infinity of God's creation. It gives our expectations a needed boost by opening doors that once seemed shut. Most important, it reminds us what we can accomplish when we are willing to challenge limitations.
Even though the world may say we're too old or too short or too whatever, the fact is that as God's children, we express unlimited intelligence, wisdom, and insight. Each day, we can express these and other qualities, and also experience God's protecting and guiding law in a multitude of ways.
But what about those times when life seems more like we're being swallowed by a black hole than making an exciting discovery on a distant planet? That's when we can remember Jesus' assurance, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3).
Jesus loved people from all walks of life, including those who were troubled and living on the edge. He saw those who came to him as spiritual, the children of God, and this knowledge lifted them out of a material frame of reference into something more satisfying. For the sick or troubled, this led to healing.
This call for something better, for divine authority in human life, goes out from Christ today. No matter where we are or who we are, we can answer that call.
Anyone can experience the inspired thought and focused effort that lead to new frontiers of healing and renewal. This is accomplished by deepening one's relationship with God. Prayer and study of the Bible are excellent places to start. They lead us to a clearer comprehension of what it means to be His children.
All that is required to enter new spiritual territory is an honest desire and the willingness to listen to our Creator. Mary Baker Eddy, a pioneer in spiritual discovery, put it this way: "The divine Principle of healing is proved in the personal experience of any sincere seeker of Truth" ("Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," p. x).
With God's power behind us, each individual can take control of his or her life. Personal barriers that may have held us back in the past dissolve before the acknowledged presence of God. There is nothing that can usurp God's authority over His creation.
The numerous technological advances occurring throughout the world hint at the potential for God's infinite wisdom to be expressed in everyday life. Quietly concentrating on Truth's message enables us to learn new things. We can expect to make progress because God has made it possible.
Sometimes it seems tiring to try to get ahead, to lift ourselves and those around us into better lives. It might appear a lot easier to sit back and let others do the exploring. However, choosing that route robs us of the spiritual enrichment that our lives need to be satisfying and meaningful.
Instead of being afraid of moving forward, we can know that God supplies us with the energy and eagerness to embrace life. "When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress," Science and Health states. "The struggle for Truth makes one strong instead of weak, resting instead of wearying one" (p. 426).
Whether or not ice on Mars leads to the discovery of life forms there, the dreams of those who challenge our perceptions still inspire us and remind us of the variety of God's infinite creation.
