A date under the stars...:)

 

Shooting stars are quite over-rated, I think. It's one of those stereotypical scenes from movies where they are lying in a park having a DMC ('deep meaningful conversation' for those of you that don't care for shortening this kind of everyday phrases;) and then they have that moment-

Guy 'Aren't the stars beautiful tonight?'

 Girl '( Happy sigh) Yes...'

*moment of silence*

Girl ' Wow did you see that shooting star?'

Guy ' Yes I did!  Quick, make a wish!'

Girl 'Ok.' *makes a wish* 'Wow, what an amazing and special moment share with you.' aww :)

Riiight I'll give you a moment to get over that mushiness.

As I was saying, people's perspective on shooting stars is all wrong. Yes they are cool when they do manage to make an appearance, but when it comes right down to it, most of us are unlucky in our movie recreation moments, and so, you will probably end up sitting there for hours freezing your butts off without seeing a single one (unless youre really clever and checked to make sure you're stargazing during a meteorshower;). Additionally their appearance is usually limited to 1-5 seconds so there is a huge chance that you and your date aren't staring at the same spot in the massive night sky at the exact same time. That awkward moment when a shooting star spurts across the sky, and your date sees it, and you don't.

Now what I learnt when I was holiday with my neighbors in Zeekogat (see it doesn't have to be on a date. Ive never done this on a date. Come to think of it i haven't been on many dates... that's besides the point.) Is to look for Satellites. THAT my friends, is the best fun ever. There are about 3000 satellites orbiting earth out of roughly 8000 man made objects in total. (ie junk that's been left in space) and they range in size from the International Space Station to microsats that can be 10cm in diameter. Those are on average visible for so much longer, as their shine comes from reflecting sunlight while orbiting around us, instead of from catching fire and then disintegrating moments later in the atmosphere. Satellites crossing the sky are enjoyable for all and can be shared without the fear of missing out, especially if you have one of those really powerful green lazers, 'cause then you can use it to point them out to those less observant than you.

The Bible says we are the light of the world. We reflect God's power and light through our lives. Shooting stars look pretty, and that flash of light is very memorable for the moment, and then its gone. Satellites stick around for longer and can be shared. We meet so many people every day! Driving to work or studies, at school, in the mall. Never underestimate your impact on another persons life. You may only make a short shooting star appearance, or you may stay beside them for most of their life. But each person you meet sees your light. And what is that light telling them about you, your beliefs, and your God?

 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5.14-16

ps. Another interesting insight from this satellites vs. shooting stars story; shooting stars are illuminated by burning themselves up, and they last only a few seconds. However satellites are illuminated across the sky. Through what? They don't create any light themselves. They are reflecting the sun's light. Don't try keep yourself alight, let God's love and joy fill you as you trust in him. That light lasts a lot longer. :)