Earth as seen from a meteorological geostationary satellite.
Less than two weeks ago, while we slept or went about or daily business, a 400 meter asteroid, 2005 YU55, came closer to the earth than our moon.
Not quite a threat, because this is the closest this visitor comes to us. But still, it makes you think, doesn't it?
Most of the time, we feel safe; so we should, because most of the time, we are. Most of us in Australia and the west live our entire lives without being hit by a car, bombed by befuddled extremists, facing starvation, or crippled by disease, and for that we should be daily grateful.
But what if we were hit by an asteroid of that size? Some scientists believe we are long overdue for such a collision. Or what if the increased solar activity expected in 2012-13 turns out to be worse than expected? What if, indeed (as I sometimes dreamed as a child), the sky hailed fire, rock and ash, and there was nowhere to go?
Suddenly, no more time to realise our dreams, to correct all our errors, to start turning humanity's noble goals into reality. No more time to undo and make up for unkindnesses, to use our abilities and talents, to think about what kind of karma we have created for ourselves and humanity. No more opportunities to become the magnificent beings we were designed to be.
So what should we do? Live in fear of a sudden end? Keep a close frightened eye at all times on the sky?
No. We get on with life and enjoy its many blessings...but perhaps, we make the decision right now to make our time here worthwhile.
Big solar flare brighter than the sun 2006 (NASA)
Portents of disaster, prophecies of doom, passing asteroids and other near misses are signs, reminders to wake up and start living as though our lives really have meaning....your life, my life and the life of every other person on this planet.
Don't mis-use this glorious gift of life. Don't squander it. Don't waste another minute in selfish unconcern for others.
Wake up, learn that we are all ONE and live as though everyone matters .... or die anyway.
"And this is the Ninth and Last Sign: You will hear of a dwelling-place in the heavens, above the earth, that shall fall with a great crash. It will appear as a blue star. Very soon after this, the ceremonies of my people will cease.
"These are the Signs that great destruction is coming. The world shall rock to and fro......
"Then there will be much to rebuild. And soon -- very soon afterward -- Pahana [the Brother from the stars] will return. He shall bring with him the dawn of the Fifth World. He shall plant the seeds of his wisdom in their hearts. Even now the seeds are being planted."
(Told by Indian elder, White Feather, a Hopi of the ancient Bear Clan. http://www.crystalinks.com/hopi2.html)