The Big Picture
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.
Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
1Cor. 13:12
My collective memories of nearly 30 years with Southern California Edison hold many lessons learned. One particular incident is frequently revisited in conversations or during training and counseling sessions with others. There are times when even I need to remember that there really is a big picture that may not always be apparent, but exists none-the-less.
In meeting constantly changing electrical demand, Southern California Edison has at its disposal an array of internal resources and inter-connections with neighboring power producers. Within Edison’s Power Supply Division there are a number of generating plants scattered along the coast and inland empire. The management and distribution of all this electrical power is controlled by the Energy Control Center – System Operations.
When I worked for Edison, the ECC made use of a planned operating schedule to manage system operations. Frequently this plan was altered when System Operations directed an unexpected shut down or start-up of an energy resource contrary to the plan. Many of us working in the generating plants found those change directives unsettling to “our plans” at the local level. These changes often made no apparent sense at the time, and adversely impacted maintenance routines and manpower schedules. If the directive from the ECC was questioned as to “why,” the answer was usually a vague reference to uncontrollable factors and that, well …we “just didn’t have the big picture.” That answer never settled well with those affected by the decision.
As providence would have it, I was privileged to spend time on special assignment working with the Energy Control Center. I’ll never forget walking into the System Operations control room on my first day of orientation. After going through security, I walked into a dimly lit expanse filled with Energy Control Dispatchers seated in front of an array computer monitors. But what really caught my attention was the sight of the huge electrical grid of the Western United States, mapped out on the surrounding walls in colorful lights and illuminated lines. That sight was overwhelming. In that moment I was caught by the realization that there really was a big picture. It was both a humbling and enlightening moment to see it with my own eyes.
During my short assignment I was educated in the intricacies involved in balancing energy supply and demand, managing contractual agreements, and controlling reactive energy flows in real-time response to ever changing conditions. This also planted a seed for another lesson learned, expect the unexpected and be prepared.
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face”
The big picture perspective has application for all of life, especially the Christian life. We must constantly remind ourselves and others not to look at mere appearances.
While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2Cor. 4:18)
When we view Scripture, we see a book of many narratives, stories of dysfunctional and sin broken lives being redeemed and made whole in the big picture of the greater story of Redemption. We consider Job, Joseph and legions of others who went through many troubling circumstances before gleaning the “big picture” perspective like Genesis 50:20 – evil allowed ultimately intended for good. Whenever I read the words “But God” in scripture I can’t help but think “big picture.” There is one Who is in control, even though it may not be apparent in the moment.
“Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known”
That experience of walking into and working with the Energy Control Center so many years ago gave me a valuable insight into the big picture. At the time I couldn’t wait to share this discovery with others back at the Plant. In fact, at the end of that first day’s orientation, I made a phone call to the Plant telling a fellow supervisor, “Guess what? There really is a big picture, and I just saw it!” I often share this story and perspective with others needing to know that there really is a big picture purpose that can comfort and strengthen a hurting heart. As time went by and tools such as email, internal communications and networking became more prevalent, System Operations began to communicate the big picture in real-time, bite-size pieces of information to explain decisions being made. That effort truly helped coordinate and clarify things, and made a difference in garnering mutual understanding, cooperation and focused energy in acquiring and sharing with others the big picture which they were a part of as well.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:5&6
