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THE RIGHT STUFF – 05-26-2022

By May 26, 2022Daily Devotionals

THE RIGHT STUFF
May 26, 2022

Prayer: Thank You Lord, for all that You have done this year. Give us the strength and wisdom we need to finish this year and accomplish the goals You have given us. Amen

Scripture: As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:23-24 NIV

On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space. The mission, named Freedom 7, represented the seven Mercury astronauts who were later deemed The Right Stuff in Tom Wolfe’s book. According to NASA information, the main scientific objective of project Mercury was to determine man’s capabilities in a space environment and in those environments to which he would be subject upon going into and returning from space. Shepard also became the first man to golf on the moon, but it all began in a one-room schoolhouse for the first five years of his education where he completed six grades in five years’ time.

As I read about Shepard and the first mission, I thought of all of you. The obvious piece is the schooling. I wonder what the students you taught this year will accomplish. There is at least one politician among your classes, and many who will be scientists, judges, teachers, doctors, inventors, and parents. How exciting it will be to see what they will do and to hear about them in years to come.

The second reason I thought of you was the objective of the Freedom 7 mission, “to determine man’s capabilities in a space environment and in those environments to which he will be subject upon going into and returning from space.” Much of what you have done this year is to determine students’ capabilities in a school environment and in those environments they will be subject upon going into. That is quite a mission.

Lastly, I am thankful that you had “The Right Stuff.” Not only did you pass through rigorous testing and meet stringent requirements as these astronauts did, but you were welcoming, certain, tuned in, moving at the speed of Christ, and with no time to lose. I invite you to revisit your goals from the first month of school to remember and express thanks for the strength that God has provided in all that you were able to accomplish.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.  To connect with the author, email [email protected]

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