Downsizing ...

Thursday, Sept 19, 2013. Sometimes, downsizing is needed. Over the past years, I have always been quite busy. That had particular reasons - as a scientist you try to do science, but there is also teaching, administration and you need to write applications to build up a group.

More and more …

In our social environment the philosophy of “more and more” is quite widely spread. When we reached something this year, we need to reach more next year. When we earned something this year, we want to increase our salary next year. The philosophy of more and more is deeply rooted in our minds and our interactions. But! I ran into the following verse from the prophet Isaiah. God says:

I was very angry with them. They always longed for

more and more of everything

. So I punished them for that sin. I turned my face away from them because I was angry. But they kept on wanting their own way. (Isa 57:17 ) There is a short word for our philosohy of “more and more”. It is called “greed”. We are, in fact, greedy. We do not even realize our greed any more, since it is so deeply part of our culture. We have a culture of greed, everyone of us. Look more closely on into what you wish, what you do, what you earn and plan … and discover your own greedy attitude! Consequences … Let us see our greed and act. We need to touch many parts of our life - and change our greed into a healthy attitude, into healthy procedures and into healthy structures. We need to keep the drive of visions, plans and goals, but prevent them from destroying our mind, our social structures and our peace. As an individual, I have many screws in my life which I can use to change from greed to peace. I do not need to earn more, but I can be fine with earning slightly less and try to be smart with my expenses. I can use my daily time wisely. I can set realistic and wise goals in my job. I do not need to lead the whole business in South America, there will be other options locally. I do not need to be the best, but a good engineer or artist. Let us turn from “more and more” to “the joy of having enough”**. God gives us the promise that he wants to take care of our life and give us enough. He wants to give us enough life, enough purpose, enough recognition, enough money, enough friendship, enough. (Roland Potthast) ... more texts