Looking for our Apollo 8 moment

On Dec. 27, 1968, the Apollo 8 mission came to an end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. 

 It was the conclusion of the mission that sent the first men to the moon. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders didn’t walk on the moon, but they did orbit it 10 times. A telegram sent to the crew afterward simply stated, “Thank you for saving 1968.” 

The Apollo 8 mission was an amazingly positive, unifying event that stood out in a year marked by war, protest, and assassinations. Much like 2020, the year 1968 was wretched. The nation was horribly divided. The Civil Rights Movement suffered a major setback with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Sentiment toward the Vietnam War turned against the government. Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was assassinated. Anti-war protestors clashed with police at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 

Most of the news people had been enduring all year was divisive and negative. Sound familiar? That’s why it was such a big deal when the Apollo 8 mission – originally planned for low-earth orbit – was instead pushed to become the first manned flight to the moon. It became a rallying point and gave people something to cheer about. 

So here we are in a year that by itself could provide new lyrics to Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and we’re still looking for our Apollo 8 moment. We’re in the homestretch of 2020 and have more uncertainty about the future than ever. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are spiking, putting a damper on holiday celebrations. Although President Donald Trump lost the election to Joe Biden, his refusal to concede and his waning challenges to the election in courts continue to divide people. 

We could look to space for 2020’s saving grace. SpaceX has started sending humans to the International Space Station, ending America’s reliance on the Russians for transportation. SpaceX is also working on a rocket ship that will hopefully carry humans to Mars someday. NASA is reaching milestones on its plans to return humans to the moon. The agency has also retrieved samples from an asteroid and are bringing them back to Earth. 

Unfortunately, most Americans became bored with the space race after the crew of Apollo 11 walked on the moon. Interest seems to be growing again, but I don’t think it will reach a fever pitch until new footprints grace the moon’s surface, or that of Mars. 

So, where do we look for hope and inspiration as we close out this tumultuous year? Personally, I turn to scriptures for comfort. 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) 

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6) 

Undoubtedly there are many others who will also point to the Bible and current events and decry these as the end times. Still more people simply don’t accept the Bible and will find no comfort in it at all. 

As weird as this year has been, I get the feeling a lot of people think we will return to normal when the calendar flips to 2021 like this was some kind of an anomaly. The pessimist in me can’t help but wonder if this year hasn’t been a precursor or warm-up for 2021 and beyond. 

Just imagine what would be in store if the COVID-19 vaccines fail or cause devastating side-effects. What would happen if President Trump is somehow successful in overturning the election results? Think of the horrors in our streets should a court reduce or dismiss the charges against the cops in the George Floyd case. How will sporting events – including the Olympics – look next year if the pandemic continues? How will schools and universities manage if they can’t meet in person for an extended period of time (years, not just months)? 

I don’t like to speculate on the negative, but some of those things are very real possibilities. I prefer to think of the positives, such as life returning to normal, the virus going away, communities coming together and rebuilding themselves in new ways, the end of political polarization, and Baby Yoda (or Grogu, now that he has a name) finding his home. 

On a personal front, I know next year will bring a lot of joy to our family. Our youngest son Colton, who just turned 18 (happy birthday!), has earned the rank of Eagle Scout and will soon receive it. He will graduate high school in May and attend Texas A&M in the fall. Those are huge milestones in his life and we couldn’t be prouder! 

I know that’s not an Apollo 8 moment for the country, but it is for my family. In the meantime, I hope this month brings peace and happiness to everyone.