As I was blowing up huge plastic planets to hang in our Elementary School Cafeteria, I got lost in the whirl of planets and space, stars, the unknown and this idea of unexplored terrain. Unlike most younger kids, I do not think I was ever fascinated with space which shines light on my personality. I love adventure but I think I enjoy seeing my proposed vision before I begin to reach for my star. But sometimes, the fun of climbing the ladder into darkness is realizing that the star you once had in mind to grasp with your very fingertips may not be the star you were actually looking for. 

And I began to think of how many times I planned to hit a single star and instead hit a different one. Sometimes I think we forget that there is great adventure in seeking out those unplanned stars. Some of us hang on to certain twinkling visions so brightly that we perhaps miss out on an opportunity- a better vision-a better star (not necessarily bigger but better.) 

I admire the individuals who fail to quit after finding themselves entering into the galaxy with the intention of casting their star-rod and dragging their new vision across the night sky. This is a thank you to those who are willing to trust and be okay with the prospect of the unknown, moving their ladder to a different part of the galaxy-the unknown-the unanticipated-the unfamiliar- and creating their own star. Not content necessarily with where they are but content with the fact that they trust the ride and that StarMap pilot. 

We cast our star-rod every day in the hopes of catching that freshest star. But do we ever consider the possibility that there is a better star out there? One with a better purpose for our life? A more exsquisite design from above with a different starmap. Even so, important to remember that our starmap does not always look the way we wish it to. It may take us on a twirling ride through another galaxy, it might allow us to roam and then make our way full circle back to the place in which we started, or it make take us far away onto a more unique adventure into an unexplored gem of the universe. A thank you to those who allow their starmap to develop over time, to whimsically and gently place the parts of the map together, to trust that they will be guided in the right direction even if they are unaware of the direction in which the starmap is taking them. Cast your net every day. Chances are, you may even find a new miracle. A new reason to give thanks.