A Farmhouse on Mars

Luca and his dad were watching a cartoon about creatures from another planet. "That was fun," said Luca when it ended.Dad grinned. "Fun, yes, but also pretty silly." He got up off the couch. "And now I'm going to go finish your bookcase." "I wonder if there really is life on other planets," Luca said as he followed his dad to the workshop. Dad picked up an electric screwdriver. "I read an article online about the space probes scientists have sent to Mars. The probes have helped us learn a lot about the planet, but they haven't found any evidence of life." "What kinds of things are they looking for?" asked Luca. "If I'd known I was going to be quizzed, I would have read the article more carefully!" Dad teased. Luca laughed as he held a shelf steady so Dad could drive in the screw. "I believe they're looking for signs of either animal or plant life," Dad said. "If they found a skyscraper or a farmhouse, I imagine they'd conclude there was intelligent life on Mars." Luca grinned at the idea of a farmhouse on Mars. "What does that mean--intelligent life?""It means living beings that are able to think and reason," said Dad."Like humans?" asked Luca."Exactly. So why would a farmhouse on Mars make scientists think there was intelligent life there?""Because somebody would have had to design it and build it," replied Luca. "That's right. I don't think scientists are going to find a farmhouse on Mars, but the universe is full of signs of intelligent life that are visible to everyone," said Dad. Luca's eyes widened. "It is?" Dad nodded. "Just look at the stars in the sky, or at a dog, or a dandelion, or a human. They're not here by accident; they were designed by the most intelligent life of all--God! The Bible tells us all of creation points to God, our Creator." Dad set down the screwdriver. "There! What do you think of this bookcase?" Luca grinned. "It looks like someone put a lot of thought and work into it, so it must be a sign of intelligent life!" Dad laughed as they carried the bookcase to Luca's room. -Holly F. Cepeda