Page 7 - Good News November 2008 paper

aunting. Exciting. Novel. if I wasn't
Overwhelming. A new a t t h e
Dbeginning... All these r i g h t
phrases may be true for a new place at
season in one's life. the right
In my case, it describes the t i m e ,
astounding opportunity and surroun-
extraordinary privilege to have ded by
been selected as a postdoctoral the right
research fellow of the Goddard people,
Space Flight Center of the and ta-
National Aeronautics and Space king hold
Administration (NASA), situated o f t h e
in a Maryland suburb outside right op- Christo Venter
Washington, DC, called Green- portuni- 073 857 3874
belt. ties, so
After many years of studying much promise of beauty and fruit-
Astrophysics (along with fulness may have been lost.
Mathematics, Computer Science, Even a small navigational error
and other subjects) at the North- may cause the ship of life to drift
West University, Potchefstroom into fatal oblivion. May God grant
Campus, it was a giant personal each of us the craving to seek His
milestone to finally conclude my will continually, the humility to
days as student and graduate truly listen, and the courage to
from my Alma Mater. obey completely! May He
This recent graduation further- enlighten and revitalize our spirits
more led to the incredible with His glorious vision for our
prospect of conducting Astro- lives.
physical research in the US at Our obedience to our Heavenly
one of the world's leading “space Father's guidance is inextricably
institutes”. Although some may linked with fulfilling our ultimate
view this as the crowning purpose in life. Unique and life-
achievement of many years of changing purpose is the funda-
study, struggle and effort, it is so mental and essential compass for
much more… our lives.
When I first received the joyous It is often hidden from us in our
news of having been selected for everyday hustle, and becomes
a NASA postdoc, I was struck by clearer during periods of waiting
God's perfect timing. Thinking upon God by prayerful discovery.
about one's life, “understanding Slowly but surely, God will reveal
it backwards” by reminiscing His magnificent dream for one's
and musing over the past, life to those who take time to ask
suddenly one realizes how every and are prepared to act.
gentle nudge was part of God's Ever unfolding, as a maturing
bigger plan. youngster, this purpose becomes
Divinely planned experiences, clearer with time, as piece by
conversations, role models, piece the jigsaw of our life starts
media, innermost desires and to make more sense. Even though
ambitions, a whole array of some pieces don't fit immediately,
events suddenly come into we have to trustfully recognize
perspective and make sense in that we only need to see the next
the context of what is achieved, step of our way if we hold fast to
and what is yet to come. the Hand of our loving Father.
Extrapolating from God's won- This progressive understanding
drous involvement and interest will only be complete once we
in one insignificant life, one can “know fully, as we are known
only glean inspiration and fully”, with the advantage of an
confidence for the future! God eternal viewpoint! Without the
has never forsaken His own, and vital knowledge of God's will, we
never will! will lose our vitality and zeal to
I take cognisance of the fact that Continued on p. 9