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In 1978, NASA scientist Donald Kessler proposed a troubling scenario that has come to be known as the Kessler syndrome. He described how the accumulation of space debris in Earth’s orbit could reach a tipping point where collisions between objects create a cascade of further collisions, potentially rendering entire orbital ranges unusable for generations.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, this sobering scientific concept offers a useful metaphor for self-reflection—particularly around our relationships and personal growth. Just as space debris can accumulate until it reaches a critical mass, unaddressed tensions, postponed conversations, and avoided responsibilities can create a similar disaster-cascade potential in our lives.
Think about the small pieces of relational “space junk” currently orbiting in your life. Perhaps it’s an unresolved disagreement with a family member, a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding with a colleague, or a pattern of behavior you know needs to change but haven’t addressed. Each piece might seem manageable on its own, but together they create a field of emotional and spiritual debris that threatens to collapse into reactions of hurt, misunderstanding, and broken trust.
“Space Junk”
The parallel becomes even more striking when we consider how this accumulation of personal “space junk” can reach a tipping point. Just as the Kessler syndrome describes a scenario where orbital debris sets-off a self-perpetuating wave of destruction—each collision creating more debris, leading to more collisions—our unaddressed relational tensions can create similar cascading effects. One unresolved conflict leads to avoidance, which leads to more misunderstandings, which creates additional tension, and the cycle continues.
Jesus understood the need for regular relational “clean-up” when he taught, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). This teaching reveals an essential truth: unresolved relational tension doesn’t just sit static in our lives—it actively interferes with our spiritual and emotional well-being.
“Clean-up”
The wisdom of Christ’s words seems to resonate with what we now understand about orbital debris—the longer we wait to address these issues, the more complicated and potentially damaging they become. Just as space agencies now actively track and manage orbital debris, we too must develop proactive habits for maintaining healthy relational space.
The good news is that we can begin this important work today:
1) Take responsibility for our own choices and actions, which serves as our first line of defense against the accumulation of relational debris.
2) Be quick to own our mistakes and acknowledge our role in conflicts, thus preventing small issues from accelerating into larger ones.
3) Address what lies within our control—even if we can't resolve everything at once. This helps prevent the buildup of emotional and relational clutter. This might mean making that difficult phone call, offering a sincere apology, or finally having that conversation you've been putting off.
Like carefully planned space debris removal missions, these actions require courage and precision, but they're essential for maintaining clear paths forward.
Brave Work
The practice of reconciliation, where appropriate and possible, acts as a crucial "cleanup operation" in our relational orbits. This doesn't mean every relationship can or should be fully restored, but it does mean we can make genuine efforts to resolve conflicts and heal breaches where we possible. This work often requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen—qualities that reflect the character of Christ himself who, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8, NIV). His brave example of humility and sacrifice demonstrates the transformative power of putting others before ourselves in the work of reconciliation.
As we begin this new year, let's commit to clearing our relational orbits of accumulated debris. Let's take seriously Jesus' call to prioritize reconciliation, understanding that our spiritual and emotional health depends on maintaining clear paths for connection and growth. The work may be challenging, but the promise of clearer skies and healthier relationships makes it worthwhile.
In the vast space of our relationships, let's make this the year we actively work to prevent our own Kessler syndrome, creating instead orbits of grace, understanding, and authentic connection.
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