NASA, Cassini, and the "Big Picture"

At 21:27 GMT (that was 9:27pm EST) on July 19, 2013, you were photographed. That's right, you were caught on film. It was a photograph for the history books in fact. July 19, 2013 was the day NASA pleaded with all of humanity (or at least the earthlings) to turn toward Saturn and give a wave. The Cassini spacecraft snapped a picture of the gas giant with its icy rings and earth creeped into the frame to make a very small, very distant appearance.

Reminiscent of the "Pale Blue Dot" photograph captured by the Voyager 1 spacecraft in 1990, the Cassini photograph from outer space is another "big-picture" reminder to us humans who so often lose perspective. In the midst of day to day activities, it can be difficult to see past our own noses.

HEAR THIS: The message here is not one of the insignificance of life, it is the exact opposite! The message here is about taking a moment to realize, even in a massive universe, a space so deep and wide the planet Earth resembles a speck of dust in a photograph taken from Saturn, even then, individual lives still matter. People are capable of grand accomplishments, intimate relationships and leaving legacies that will last longer than bodies ever will. 

It's all about perspective, and when we get just a glimpse of how small we really are, we can realize how amazing it is to still be able to leave a legacy. Just as important as leaving a legacy is helping others do the same. It is imperative to remember what our loved ones stood for, believed in and accomplished during his or her short time on this planet and to recognize the importance of a life on this "Pale Blue Dot".

 

Welcome to Love Ashes, a place where we cherish the ability to carry on the legacies of our loved ones. We have been short on blog posts lately, but are making an effort to reach out again in an attempt to help lighten the load during the darkest times. Feel free to leave us comments on topics you would like to see appear in this space. Suggestions are more than appreciated.