18 December | Youth
«In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.» Ecclesiastes 11:6
In life there are two types of plants and people. Some adapt to the conditions of the place and climate, and others do not adapt and become unproductive or die. Without a doubt, the maxim is valid: “Flourish where you are planted.”
The experience of young amateur astronomer Leonardo Amaral made the news. From an observatory set up in his family home, on July 23, 2020, he achieved the feat of discovering a new comet more than eight hundred million kilometers from Earth. The accomplishment was so unusual that its discovery was notified by the international astronomy community in an official publication by the renowned Minor Planet Center (MPC). How did he do it? What tools did he use?
An astronomy lover, the young man decided to build an amateur observatory. From there, he used to take time to observe the movement of the planets. On one of these occasions, he observed a point moving between the stars. By paying attention to that movement, he discovered something different that would go unnoticed by almost everyone. With no training in physics or astronomy, no professional telescope and no NASA sponsorship, this young man accomplished something that many scientists dream of doing but fail to do.
This story shows us that, while many wait for ideal conditions to do certain things, others create the conditions. While many wait for things to improve, others make things improve. While many complain about the lack of support, others improve themselves and move forward alone. While many become complacent when they realize that others are also standing still, others look up and dream of overcoming their own limits and achieving remarkable things. He flourished where he was planted.
If you wish to do the same, like a plant, breathe every particle of oxygen, make use of every droplet of water available, put down roots and go in search of every existing mineral; open the leaves wide and enjoy every ray of sunlight and the energy provided. Then grow, become stronger, flourish and bear fruit wherever you are. Renew the leaves, produce seeds and fertilize the land. In other words, take advantage of every opportunity, never give up and always do your best in everything. If there are difficulties, have faith and ask for God's guidance. This is flourishing where you are planted.