My Ride On This Pale Blue Dot

I just watched Carl Sagan’s The Pale Blue Dot. And as I did, I was moved. How can you not be? To think of the vastness of the galaxies; to consider the endlessness of space; to recognize the sheer power it took to create it all. It is humbling to say the least.

But then, I began to ponder some other aspects of our existence: our arrogance in thinking we are the rulers of it all; our self-appointed divinity; our brazen belief that we are it…it’s sad, really.

Yes, God has given us dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26). But why do we think we are the rulers of the entire galaxy…and beyond? Because that is what we so often think, even if subconsciously. I think the short film awakens us to that danger.

Yet, as I watched it again, I began to think not of humanity in general, but of me. How often do I get so wrapped up in my little corner of this piece of dirt that I forget all that is out there? How often do I come to a point in my life where I think I’m the only one who matters?

I pray that I don’t go through life that way anymore. I pray that, instead, I go through life taking full advantage of the opportunities I have to make sure others see that they matter. I am valued by the One who created this ball off dirt. And I’m here to make sure others realize that they are as well.

Faith. Family. Friends.

These are what truly matter in my life. It’s not about the vastness of my influence. Because the truth is that my influence will never be vast. It will, though, be valued by those closest to me. That’s what I must focus on as I continue my ride on this pale blue dot.