Throughout the 60s to the 80s, the Soviet Union sent a series of probes to the surface of the planet Venus, named the Venera Program. They sent a total of 16 probes, each one teaching them a little more about the surface, atmosphere and temperature of the planet.

One of the latter probes, Venera 14, was equipped with a mechanism to test the density of the surface of Venus. A mechanical arm was supposed to drop, and its impact on the soil would provide data on the planet’s composition. Unfortunately, a lens cap from one of its cameras accidentally fell directly on the spot where the arm was supposed to deploy, and as a result, the readings were taken not of the planet, but of the lens cap.

That’s called “getting in the way of our own judgment,” and it happens to us all the time. When we insert ourselves into a situation, it makes it harder to view things impartially. In the case of Venera 14, there wasn’t much to do. The probe only had 50 minutes or so to function before the 869-degree temperatures on Venus destroyed it. In our case, can just take a moment to breathe and ask the Lord for a better view of things. A quick prayer and a re-evaluation, and a little faith in One Who Sees Better.

We invite you to join us Sunday morning, at 9:30 for adult Sunday School and 10:30 for worship. And come join us Easter morning at 9:00 for an Easter breakfast, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. We’re located on the corner of First and High Street in Steelville. For more information, check out our website at steelvillepresbyterian.org.