“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood before congress and delivered a speech that would change the world. It would open our eyes to a new frontier. President Kenney boldly stated that he believed the United States should, “Commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man safely on the Moon and returning him safely to the earth.” It was an ambitious dream, and many brave Americans would respond to successfully respond to this challenge. In July of 1969, only 65 years after the first flight of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, the crew of Apollo 11 successfully landed on the moon and safely returned to Earth. Mission accomplished!
The crew of the famed Apollo 11 was Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. This week, Michael Collins passed away at the age of 90. When I heard the news of Michael Collins passing, I was reminded of how special a person he truly was. Each of the people who have achieved the title of Astronaut are driven, and successful. However, few have done what Michael Collins has done. As one of only 24 people to ever fly to the moon, Collins’ responsibility on the crew of Apollo 11 was the pilot of the command module. When they arrived at the moon, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong piloted the lunar module that would land on the surface of the moon while Collins would remain by himself in orbit. It was said, “Not since Adam has any human known such solitude.” Collins orbited the moon 30 times, by himself.
The crew of Apollo 11 were celebrated as heroes, and rightfully so! They took “One giant leap for mankind!” After the parades were over, Michael Collins retired from NASA, but he continued to serve his country in many wonderful ways. He retired from military service with the rank of Major General. He served as the director of the National Air and Space Museum. He always encouraged the work of NASA and others who worked to explore space.
The life of Michael Collins is an inspiration. He overcame the challenges of life to achieve something only a few have accomplished. He lived life with great joy, and he flew from adventure to adventure. Michael Collins is quoted in LIFE Magazine in 1970 as saying, “To go places and do things that have never been done before – that’s what living is all about.” This phrase defined his life and is a reminder to us today. We are called, by God, to a life of adventure and joy. What challenges are before you? What adventures have you considered? What is something you have not yet done? God has given us the gift of life and a world… a universe… full of adventure. Let us live our life to full.
Godspeed, General Collins.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
