Courage

October 14, 2012: Felix Baumgartner makes a record-breaking skydive from space.

Yes, there were all the calculations and scientific studies and gear and equipment construction and modifications and preparations; wind and weather analysis, etc., etc., etc. But all that would have been in vain if in face of all the calculated and uncalculated risks, Felix Baumgartner had not had the courage to step out of the capsule more than 24 miles above the earth.

As I watched this video, I had a sense of watching something very important. It may be a little much to rank Baumgartner's jump up there with walking on the moon, but it is of similar importance. I could not help sense there was way much more here then just a daredevil's stunt. There was the pushing back of a boundary; the opening up of an opportunity; the pioneering of a frontier.

This event is one of those things in our history that may be another step along the way to possibilities not yet imagined or thought of. I may not see those things in my lifetime, but if mankind does not self-disintegrate the possibilities are there. And if we don't realize them in this cosmic order, we may realize them in that new heavens and new earth yet to come.