Tuesday; July 16

On May 25, 2961 President John F. Kennedy addressed the United States Congress with his vision for the American space program.  In his speech he noted, “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”.  A little later in his speech he addressed the national challenge by noting, “But in a very real sense, it will not be one man going to the Moon – if we make this judgment affirmatively, it will be an entire nation. For all of us must work to put him there.”.  I imagine those who initially heard his speech were fascinated with his optimism if not overwhelmed by his timetable.  As we look back this through the lens of history there are two dates that seem to resonate with this speech:  November 22, 1963 – the date of his assassination and July 16, 1969 – the date Apollo 11 was launched toward the moon.  It would be just a few days after this later date that President Kennedy’s vision would be realized even though he wasn’t alive to see it.  As I look back on these events from five decades ago I am drawn to two important concepts:  First, the impact a vision can have on people and second, what can happen when people come together to do important things. 
Is there something incredible we are wanting to do?  Maybe we can use this formula to make it happen.  By finding someone to lead and by surrounding ourselves with people who are willing to work with us we can make great things happen.
          Think About It!

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