成人快手

Good morning.

On this day in 1965, the Gemini V space capsule splashed down safely in the Atlantic

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The two American astronauts - Charles Conrad and Gordon Cooper 鈥�

had spent almost eight days orbiting the earth 鈥�

a space endurance record.

three days longer than any previous mission into space.

Shortly after their capsule hit the sea, they radioed their recovery vessel:

"We are on the water and in good shape".

Although their medical reports were indeed fine 鈥�

they 听also stated that the astronauts' heart rates had gone up to 180 beats a minute

during the stressful re-entry stage,

dropping back to normal levels by the time they splashed down.

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That reminds me of the colloquial phrase, 鈥渃oming down to earth with a bump鈥�:

a saying that captures the shock of having to manage the realities of everyday life,

after a period of great excitement, or significant trauma.

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For many of us, the differences in the normal routines of life since last March, may continue.

The months since have been a bit like a journey to 鈥榓nother place鈥�,

with a mixture of good and not so good experiences.

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For some of us, though, elements of the old routine are beginning to return:

the school run, office-based working, in person shopping.听

There鈥檚 a strong sense that in some ways, we鈥檙e about to come back down to earth with a bump.

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That descent might well make us feel anxious, even fearful.

But the Lord of all Creation speaks words of comfort and calm:

Peace, be still! Do not be afraid, for I am with you always.听

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Loving Lord, as we journey into a future which may seem bumpy and which may cause us to fear,

help us to know your loving presence with us. Help us to hear your words of comfort and peace: do not be afraid, for I am with you always, AMEN.

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