Glenn Space Mission - Lessons
John Glenn has proven, once again, that he can accomplish extraordinary feats. In a humble fashion he explained his trip as a giant step for geriatric science. Aboard Discovery he has allowed himself to become a human experimental subject. His blood being drawn, sleep cycles measured, and his body monitored from top to the very bottom. Through these experiements scientists will have a better understanding of what happens to the body and its muscular make up in zero G. Hopefully, for us on earth, the results will provide a better understanding of the aging process. As a larger segment of society grows older, geriatric studies are needed. This is in order to keep providing better care and health for the elderly.
In Judaism there is a proverb, As men age, their opinions change (Talmud Shabbat 152). For example, we have seen the former president, George Bush fulfill his wish to sky dive. John Glenn getting his wish to sky dive in the other direction, upwards to space. These men who have stability and greatness are still looking for more challenges. Their opinions about fulfillment change regularly.
One of the most important lessons we learn from the Glenn space mission is how to get along with younger and less experienced people.
Imagine for a moment if Glenn would pull rank on his fellow space companions saying I am a senator, a war hero, and an experienced space veteran. I will not listen to the younger commander. After all, my age and rank puts me way above you. The mission would fail. Only when Glenn realizes that regardless of his wonderful attributes he still must listen to ground control and respect his fellow space companions, then and only then does he become a real hero. He makes the experiment a success. He works as part of a team recognizing that he, too, has an important role to play. He is a smart person by recognizing his limits and those of the crew.
Society has long worshipped youth forgetting the older, experienced and wise people. For many, the elderly have become a society burden. Too little respect has been given to this growing aging sector.
But now things are changing. Glenn has raised the conscience of senior citizens by telling them to become vibrant and to demand a part in this active world. He has shown the way for all citizens. His message to keep on having hopes and dreams was exemplified by the space mission.
I especially liked Glenns answer regarding G‑d and prayer. Asked whether he prayed in space, Glenn replied: I pray every day, and I think everybody should. I don't think we can look at Earth every day - to look out at this kind of creation and not believe in G‑d is, to me, impossible.
It is in the bible that Moses was 80 years old when he became a heroic leader for his people. Legend has it that Moses went up to heaven for 40 days and nights. He didn't even have a space suit and he did fine at zero G. His age caused no restrictions. He led the Israelites into a desert and was a fearless commander for 40 years.
It has been said that a good man, like fine wine, becomes better as time goes by.
Yes, it caused a great splash in 1962 when Glenns space ship landed in the cold Atlantic. But this week he made an even greater splash by returning safely from space. He has become an inspiration to those in the graying and twilight age. He has shown that there is no real gap between the ages and that people are as old as they feel.
Maybe the younger generation will learn a thing or two about the capabilities and possibilities of their older generation.