Today was tough because I'm a bit homesick. I miss the familiar sights and sounds that, unknowingly, have kept me comfortable for the past few decades. We are such creatures of habit that once we are out of our comfort zones we look for something to take its place. But I found solace and comfort in an unexpected place. It was in the most important photo ever created.
When my brother and I were kids, our dad would take us out on winter nights, set up our telescope, and we would look at planets, stars, constellations and the moon. He would help us identify the big craters, including the Sea of Tranquility, where the Apollo 11 lunar module landed. He would tell us all about the night sky and let us look through the telescope until it was too cold to stay outside any longer.
My dad was a smart guy. He would do complex math on a slide rule, explain how things worked, and take things apart and put them back together. Nothing was ever impossible. He taught us that things can be hard, but there is always a solution to every puzzle; an answer to every question. Because of my dad, I keep a picture of the earthrise (the photo at the top of this entry) on my desk at work and in my office at home. That way, whenever something seems particularly difficult or daunting I just look at that photo and remind myself that if they could do that back in the 1960s, whatever I'm doing now is possible, too. The picture gives me perspective. That’s what makes it so important.
The image also shows us that no matter how big or great we think we are in our world, there are places in the universe (some as close as 250,000 miles away) that show that in the grand scheme, we are small. This additional perspective should stop people in their tracks with a sense of awe.
On a personal level, though, that's what gave me comfort tonight, knowing that my dad gave me the tools I need to meet whatever challenge comes my way. And if any of you are having a tough day or are out of your comfort zone, just look at the photo at the top of this email and know that anything is possible.
Image credit: Earthrise, William Anders aboard Apollo 8