Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Man on the Moon


              Lately I have had the opportunity to travel a lot and it just so happens I have spent some time here and there on the road after dark. Recently, as I was driving back to Manhattan one evening, I noticed the full moon in the sky and thought about how beautiful it is. With my mind wondering off, like it does best, I begin to think about Neil Armstrong being the first man to step foot on the moon. What an honor this must have been for him. The moon that we see in the sky every single night, he was able to leave his footprints on. Although others have left theirs as well, he was the first, the first person in the world to step onto the moon. How incredible that day in July of 1969 must have been!
 
 

                Neil Armstrong was a pioneer. He represented the entire human race. The really interesting thing is not that he was the first to reach a destination or he got the opportunity to represent millions of people, but instead, how he represented. When he landed on the moon there were many things he could have said and did. He could have said, “This step is for the world and this giant leap is for Neil.” He also could have ran around doing flips and cartwheels and then said, “Oh and by the way, this step is for man.” However he did none of that. In his firsts steps he said, “One small step for man and one giant leap for mankind.” The fact that he used his first steps for the symbolism he created, shows how thankful and honored he was. With the words chosen, he showed selflessness. It was incredibly humble of him to credit everyone and not keep all the glory for himself. The way that Neil Armstrong represented all of mankind on that day truly was admirable.
 
 

                Thinking of this, it is easy to reflect back on our own lives and ask ourselves a few questions. How are we representing? Are my words and actions pleasing and admirable to others? If I was in Neil Armstrong’s shoes, what would my words have been? You see, everyone represents something. The real question is, are we representing in a noble way; one that is humble and honorable? If you would like to join me in setting a new goal, it is to represent the way Neil Armstrong did. He was a very respectable man and there is a good lesson to be learned from him.