WATCHLIST WEEK 4:
PROJECT HAIL MARY
The movie “Project Hail Mary” (based on the novel by Andy Weir) tells the story of a reluctant scientist who finds himself alone in space on a mission to save the world from an alien virus that is slowly dimming our sun…thus threatening all life on earth as we know it. Dr. Ryland Grace was teaching middle school science classes when he was approached by the leaders of a top secret project to help solve the issue of “astrophage,” a single-celled microorganism that feeds directly on stellar energy, slowly draining the sun (our essential fuel source for life to exist on earth) along with other stars in the observable vicinity as well. Dr. Grace happens to have specialized in cellular biology and possesses a specific expertise that can be useful for the unique issue that the governments of the world are attempting to solve.
Imagine having a doctoral degree in a particular scientific field and finding yourself content in teaching 8th grade science classes. Then imagine that you end up being the only person who can discover the solution to the crisis facing the future of the entire world. Now, it’s possible that someone reading this has the exact training and educational background as Dr. Grace…but most of us can’t specifically relate to his story. However, I’m willing to bet that every single person reading this has a gift. A skill or talent or area where you have more understanding and “knowhow” than the average person. Maybe you’re using it to the fullest of your capabilities, but I bet a lot of us are doing the equivalent to being a doctor teaching middle school. And here’s the part that’s unexpected: that’s totally okay!
God has created you completely differently than he created any other person. In the vast universe, there has never been anyone quite like you. How amazing! In this one life that we are all privileged to live, the best thing we can do is to live in a way that utilizes those gifts that have been placed in each one of us. Whether you become a hero that saves multiple planets from extinction like Dr. Grace, or whether you feel the most fulfilled in teaching science to a group of middle school kids (also like Dr. Grace), God delights in seeing each person he created thriving in their unique abilities and traits. You have been wonderfully made by your Creator—what have you been made to be?