Do aliens live among the stars?

What do you think of when you look into a clear and cloudless night sky shimmering with a vast glittery field of stars? Aliens? Watch Men In Black (any installment) for a hilarious look at the possibilities.

Could aliens actually exist out there somewhere? Some of my science fiction stories take place on other worlds inhabited by intelligent other-than human life-forms. But if you were to ask me if I believe aliens exist in the universe, my answer would be “possibly, but not probably.” I believe in intelligent design, and so (in my mind), if aliens are a part of the big creative design, then we will eventually find them or they will find us.

On the other hand, if aliens don’t exist, why is space filled with so much stuff? If the planets and their moons in our solar system help keep the earth in just the right position for life to be sustained, maybe all the other galaxies in space are necessary to keep all of everything in balance. Or maybe it’s not that complicated. Is it possible that God put all those stars, planets, and suns out there just to amaze us with his handiwork, as proof of his awesome power? Who hasn’t gone “Wow” when looking up at that splendor or been dumbstruck by the sheer beauty of it?

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. ~ Anne Frank

I imagine Anne Frank, hiding in the attic with her family, peeking out of a shuttered window at the vastness of a midnight sky, and writing the above quote in her diary. Every day she lived with the fear of being discovered by the Nazis. She certainly wasn’t happy with her circumstances. Or with her voice being held captive, except for what she released in the entries of her diary. Yet she held on to hope and her faith, even until the end.

The wisdom of a child may be just what we need when we find ourselves fearful, lonely or unhappy. The handiwork of an awesome creator is everywhere, but especially in the “wow” of an immense, inverted, star-sharp sky where we can believe we’re not alone.

When was the last time you sought peace, alone with nature and God?