Touring the River Rouge Plant, at one time the largest manufacturing
complex in the world, we were amazed at how raw ore came in via barges at one
end, and F-150 pickups rolled out the door at the other. We often are amazed at
who designed the product, but do we ever stop to think about who designed the
plant or the manufacturing procedures. Henry Ford can be credited with making
mass production work for the Model T, he actually based it on a butchering
operation where the steer was moved between work stations on carts. But it took
the invention of interchangeable parts, that Cadillac won a Quality Award for to
make it all work. Something to consider next time the car won’t start-it goes
way beyond final assembly.
My first job being paid for brains rather than brawn was as a production
planner for Polychrome Corp. in 1974. We were currently purchasing two ton
rolls of film, then converting them to size. From 4000’ rolls to 35mm film,
8x10, 10x12, and larger, we did it all. Working in safelight conditions, which
also had to be super clean, as the film was undeveloped. A little crease, or
ragged edge could scuttle the whole batch to the recycling bin, even a greasy
fingerprint was dangerous. Also very expensive as film was coated with silver.
Amazing to me that it could be done at all, particularly all in the dark. In
the winter it was possible to come to work in the dark, work all day in the
dark, and go home in the dark, without ever seeing day light. The only light was
from a special flashlight with a dark red lens so as not to effect the film.
But we were also in the midst of making our own coating facility-manufacturing
our own film. Adding onto the existing factory, and changing the old to
accommodate the new processes, while production continued. And Kurt Hausmann
was the man in charge of the project. His intimate understanding of what came
next, when to schedule the masons, then the carpenters, and how to work with
valuable metals such as silver, add in inspectors, and the unions, and he was
always busy. We used to joke he was part Mr. Spock, Scotty, and Captain Kirk-he
knew all about how the ship ran, and without him there, construction came to a
halt. He somehow dealt with deadlines, and when it all came together, and the
first batch was test coated, it was all Kurt. Many had done the actually
building, and the final coating process, but without Kurt’s vision, being taken
to the engineers and draftsmen, then to production, it never would have been
possible. It was his vision that others help create. He was the father of the
project, the rest of us were just children.
Kurt lived in an ordered world, and when a problem came up, had
to have a back up plan. He had to account for late deliveries, men out the day
after too much party, and the next crew waiting when things got held up, or
rescheduled. He had no room or little margin for error. Sin is like that, and
when Kurt had a problem, maybe not caused by him, many suffered. There was no
isolated problem, it affected all in the project. There also is no such thing as
isolated sin. “Just some dirty pictures,” as his wife rebels. “Just a joint,
not hard drugs,” as he loses his job. For the consequences of sin touch many,
and damage all it touches. Families divorce, and kids pay the price. When one
parent is missing, they will find someone to listen, usually not the one we
would choose. And while if caught in time it can be remedied, when a major
problem surfaces, life can come to a halt-and we all suffer. For
generations.
God knew this, so sent His son Jesus. He not only created us,
but has a vision for our lives, which is only revealed through Him. So many
suffer needlessly without turning to Him, when He has the answers we need, when
we need them. He knows what lies ahead, and has things arranged, from people to
helicopters, there when we need them before we even have a chance to pray. He
is prepared for what lies ahead, are we? We can be by turning to Jesus. We
have three options in a crisis-bail out and fail, fight through it, or repent
and follow Jesus. Relying on our own experiences will not make it-it takes
direction from the creator, the one of vision.
Just as Kurt was the visionary of Polychrome, we need to let
Jesus lead our lives. No one man could do it, Kurt couldn’t. He could give
direction, but would it be followed? A similar situation we are in today, God
offers direction, will we take it? Who is the Captain Kurt of your enterprise?
Are you willing to follow God and go where no man has gone before?
Boldly?
Without vision the people perish. So will film, to be cut into
little pieces, soon so small it is useless to all. Before you suffer the same
fate, turn to Jesus. Let Him resize you, remold you, regenerate you, and make
you productive. A simple choice of following Him will change your life. And
the lives of others. Ever hear of Mordecai Ham? Ask Billy Graham about him, he
led Billy to Christ. How many lives has Billy touched for Christ? Sin is not
the only thing isolated, mercy and grace abound where it used to. Enjoy life in
Jesus, and when it all comes together, sit back and thank Him. Remember the
vision it took to produce you, and to make you what you are. We are all like
undeveloped film until we come into the light of Jesus. Out of darkness, into
the light. Begin your tour with Him today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com