Doug E. Pudge

Continuous Improvement

You know, I was thinking. The phrase "continuous improvement" is a buzz word that is used quite often in the automotive industry. I know that many other work environments are using this particularly potent catch phrase as well. The implication corporately is that a company is in a constant state of change so that processes and procedures are being improved on a regular basis. Now, I don't know about where you work but as for me and my employer we are in the midst of "continuous survival"! We are constantly trying to get on top of our processes and procedures just to survive. Often times we need to call in outside consultants or get additional help in order to get out of these times. Are these two concepts mutually exclusive? I believe that you can survive very well while you are in the continuous improvement mode, but you have a hard time making improvements while in the continuous survival mode. Two other phrases that come to mind are "planning management" and "crisis management". Let's face it, it is difficult to improve upon things when all you seem to be capable of doing is simply surviving the day, week or month!
I believe the same holds true in our spiritual walk! When we are in our times of crisis management (the valley), it is hard to do the proper preparation and planning in order to make things better in our lives. We often time need the help of outside infuences or other people to help us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and move forward. Now, those times of continuous improvement (mountain tops), are times when we can really get our acts together. We have the time to gain perspective, make evaluations, see where we have made the mistakes, and allow ourselves to move forward more productively. Just like in business, our live are not always one extreme or the other. I would call this the mountain side or maintenance management. I think we spend most of our lives on the mountain side. Walking up the mountain or sometimes sliding down. If we are really honest with ourselves we spend more time here then we do in absolute highs and lows.
So, let's bottom line this. While in the valley, find the kind of help that you need to pull yourself out. While on the mountain top, make preparations (prayer, the word, worship) to be able to endure the next valley, because there is always going to be another valley. While on the mountain side, look for times to minister and help others and to bless God in the process. In all things though give the glory to the Father and look for opportunities to show love to another person. Don't look at where you are at on the mountain, but keep your eyes focused on Jesus and remember that ALL THING WORK TOGETHER FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSES. Be blessed today.

posted by Doug E. Pudge @ 5:51 AM