Hidden Opportinities
The aircraft reminds me of our company. It is flying on course 1427 and the crew is guiding it through a thick blanket of fog. The instruments indicate strong turbulence. The passengers have fastened their seat belts.
Parallels to the Economic Crisis
Our aeroplane is solidly constructed. We have an excellent on-board computer. All instruments have the latest technology and all of us have been well trained. Thorough planning of our flight, as well as communication with the control tower, guarantees highest safety standards. Leaning back comfortably in our seats and toasting our economic success, we suddenly hit a terrible air pocket! Powerful turbulence causes the whole aircraft to shake. Only at a much lower altitude can the plane once more gain some sta- bility. Of course we all knew that turbulence and air pockets exist. However, when uncontrollable situations actu- ally occur, we fearfully ask: ‘Does anybody really have things under control?’
The world of finance as well as certain inustries, have hit such a brutal air pocket. No one wanted to take responsibility. Many people lost their jobs. Our feelings go on a roller coaster ride. What is really certain in this life? Is it to crash, then die? We are certainly experiencing a crisis with many casualties and victims. Aren’t we all a little bit guilty? Haven’t all of us long enjoyed an illusion of lasting material prosperity, without investing in sustainability?
The Chinese characters for the word CRISIS are composed of the characters for ‘danger’ and ‘chance.’ Can crisis be a chance? Do we learn from yesterday’s mistakes? The fact is: every aeroplane has to land sometime. The question is only where and how? Our own life will end someday as well. Where and how? As captain, I have a clear destination and I know my starting point as well. I want to fly from A to B. However, if I have not determined these two locations, I cannot even know if I am taking the correct route. And how does this relate to me as manager, as marriage partner, father, or a mother? Do I know the ‘A’ and the ‘B’ or am I simply flying until I run out of fuel? Alfred Herrhausen, former CEO of Deutsche Bank, expressed this very pointedly: ‘Most problems begin because we do not think a situation through.’ Sustainability thus becomes an empty phrase.
Our flight 1427 will end sometime. At the moment, we are travelling through thick cloud and uncomfortable turbulence. Visibility is poor.
The management sector is also experiencing blurred visibility. The production sector is receiving orders at increasingly shorter notice. Minimum stock must reduce capital employed. Medium term planning is becoming difficult.
Crisis as an Opportunity?
Honesty is needed. Let us dare to think our life through to the end for once! The fact is: I will die. As a Christian I have wonderful expectations. Jesus Christ promises eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. 1Eternity – an unfathomable word, an unfathomable meaning, a brilliant chance!
Jesus Christ lived as God’s Son and Son of Man on this earth. He is familiar with our most difficult life situations, as well as crises. As an innocent man He suffered crucifixion – and the earth quaked. This momentous crisis of the past continues to be our great opportunity for the future: As humans, we can attain access to God Himself through His Son. Thus we can gain an eternal perspective which leads to lasting opportunity in our lives.
Re-assessing Burdens and Responsibilities
Have you ever thought about the fact that you take responsibility for things you cannot, in reality, be responsible for? Perhaps this begins with your marriage vows, continues with raising your children, in directing your employees or even in the administration of other people’s finances… In reality, much of this is beyond our control but is still our responsibility. Carrying such a heavy burden and care hinders us on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be a relief to lighten our load? I regularly bring my burdens to God in prayer and as a result, always find things to sort out or remove. Since others can view situations from a different perspective, I sometimes request the competent advice of my personal mentor. Wisdom is required when we deal with difficult people. We may need to see things from another angle or completely change our thinking. Could it possibly be that I myself am being difficult? The more I surrender control of my life to Jesus Christ, the greater my spiritual resources are. Now, in this place of rest, I am able to let go because I do not just drop people and responsibilities into thin air. I release them into God’s hand!
Flight 1427 is still shaking me up as it propels me through the turbulences of this world. By the way, my flight number symbolises the following: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”2 My heart should not be troubled – even when I hit an air pocket! When my inner peace is greater than the outer turbulence, I experience God’s presence… which surpasses human understanding. I can suddenly sense opportunity in the midst of crisis.
I recently attended a lecture by former alpine skier Silvano Beltrametti. A terrible skiing accident left him paralysed and in a wheelchair. He said: ‘I distinguish between inner and outer freedom. I am content with my life.’ How many problems can be put into perspective in this way! The result is deep gratitude. Outer freedom may decrease but how great is our inner freedom!
Oasis and Source of Strength
We do much with and for our body. Our soul also is actively engaged and passively fed. What about our spirit? I find that when God’s Spirit sets me free, peace results – inner freedom which becomes a true oasis of health and source of strength. If you are pondering questions concerning your personal freedom, I advise you to begin by making an inventory. This is best done in writing. It should include questions such as: How can I describe my inner and outer freedom? Which life goals are relevant for me? Which external and internal factors hinder me from realising these goals? What first step can I take which will lead to a solution? Our thoughts determine our lives. They determine whether a crisis may become an opportunity. I know that I can only lead people as far as I have come myself. Therefore I decide anew to bring my thoughts into a place of peace through Jesus Christ. I can recall God’s promises, under the heading ‘Restoration’ – and what could we need more urgently than that? He will judge righteously and one day establish His kingdom for all those who love Him. Until that day quite a lot of turbulence will shake our flight and our lives. How about taking the spiritual operating manual from our bookshelf and gaining current knowledge, before relying on our own theory concerning landing? It is worthwhile to start with the assurance that God has good thoughts for us; that He has a hope and a future prepared for us and wants to be found by all those who seek Him with all their hearts.3
A true opportunity!
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1 John 3:16
2 Jahn 14:27
3 Jeremiah 29:11 & 13
