When NASA posted a job opening recently for a "Planetary Protection Officer," a position responsible for the microbial footprint of humans during interplanetary exploration, word about the "coolest job ever" was picked up and spread widely by the media. Of course, the position has extremely stringent qualifications and demands an expertise in just about every discipline of science possible: physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering. However, those requirements didn't stop 9-year-old Jack Davis from submitting a handwritten note to NASA as his application. "I may be nine but I think I would be fit for the job," wrote Jack. "One of the reasons is my sister says I am an alien. Also, I have seen almost all the space movies and alien movies I can see." He then cited his plans to watch Men in Black as further reason why he should get the job. "I am young, so I can learn to think like an alien," he concluded. Although the informal application did not result in a job offer, it did merit a response from NASA's Director of Planetary Science Jim Green, who wrote back: "We are always looking for bright future scientists and engineers to help us, so I hope you will study hard and do well in school. We hope to see you here at NASA one of these days."

Potential Preaching Angles: We may have trouble remembering this, but in his perfect sovereignty God does not need us to accomplish his will. However, through his grace and love for us, he chooses to allow us to help build his Kingdom on Earth-like a parent with a toddler, or NASA with a fourth grader. May we all have childlike faith to pursue his Kingdom eagerly and faithfully.