Stars have been from humanity’s first glance into the heavens a source of mystery, inspiration, guidance and hope. Futures are predicted by their movement, ages announced and ships sail the seas relying on their position.

The stars are an expression of the universe and have a hold over the imagination of humanity, inspiring them “to wish upon a star” or “catch a falling star and put it in your pocket and save it for a rainy day.” The heavens are a glimpse of something greater than humanity, yet, some thing they are a part of.

Upon the tablet of the night sky is written omens of disaster, prophecies of saviors and the mythological gods of old imprinted upon the dark blue velvet canvas of the heavens.

A common metaphor for humanity to set goals high is “to reach for the stars.” Perhaps you have used this yourself. Recall a goal you have sought to reach, perhaps a better job, additional education, more money, maybe to write that book or start a business of your own. Each night you figuratively “reach for the stars” your thoughts imagining the fruition of your dreams. You stretch the reach of your grasp by faithfully holding onto your vision that you will reach your star.

Yet, as you are well aware, the apple in the tree cannot always be reached from the ground, but that does not mean it is not accessible. The same analogy fits your reaching for your star. The unreachable is not attained by intent alone but by action; divine dreams are reached by human means. Look for a ladder in your life to pluck the apple from the tree or grasp the star you desire. There is always a ladder in your life to reach your dreams. Its length is created by the actions you take, each dedicated act adding a rung to lengthen its height. To take no action toward your goals can be likened to a hungry person fatigued and faint from jumping and stretching for the red fruit in the high boughs as a ladder leans against its trunk.

So when you “reach for the stars,” understand that your intent is the firm ground upon which you place the ladder of your actions to reach the heaven you desire. So reach for the stars but don’t forget your ladder.