Walk of the Year 2004: Trek on Mars

If Time magazine has its "Person of the Year", this blog will, starting this year, feature the "Walk of the Year". This is an event or story which I find to have the most impact on me, even kept me at the edge of my seat.

So for this year, I chose as the Walk of the Year the story of the two humble and diligent robots, Opportunity and Spirit, which practically walked the surface of Mars since early of 2004. I've been monitoring their trek ever since. Their discovery that the red planet was once drenched in water of vast quantity really astounds me. Water means life, and it has always been used to symbolizes spirit and Tao. And if there was water in that planet, it is possible that there was or there is water in many other planets!

Incidentally, the editors of Science journal chose the same story as the Breakthrough of the Year. "Their finds mark a milestone in humankind's search for life elsewhere in the universe," Science said. (source: www.cnn.com)

A Thanksgiving Prayer

I thank and praise you, God
for creating and sustaining the universe
with your infinite love and wisdom.
You are an all-powerful and awesome God
yet patient and humble
and eternally giving.
You are the giver of life:
you cause every living thing to breath,
grow, move and multiply.
You manifest yourself to us in many ways:
you are all around us,
and you are within us.
I thank and praise you
for your continuing sustenance.
Amen

(A prayer composed in summer of 2003.)