The 5 P’s of the helicopter view
How do you get a helicopter view of your life? What are the key areas to evaluate when you have stepped away from the field of play in order to stand out in the game of life? I like to call them the 5 P’s of the helicopter view: Purpose; Pattern; Process; Progress; People.
1. Purpose
Many believers have emphasized Habakkuk 2:2 – “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision…”, but have neglected verse 1 of Habakkuk 2 which tells us what led to this statement. Let’s examine The Message translation of Habakkuk 2-1: “What’s God going to say to my questions? I’m braced for the worst. I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he’ll answer my complaint”.
First, it is clear Habakkuk had some questions in his mind about purpose. Secondly, he stepped away from the field of play to hear from God. Since purpose is God-given, we need to spend time with God in prayer reflecting on the intent and content of our purpose when seeking a helicopter view of our lives.
In life, some things are taught while some things are caught. Things that are ‘caught’ have proven to be more impressive over the years. Who taught you how to breathe, sleep or wake up? But these things have a greater effect on your life than many other things you have been taught. Similarly, there is one major thing you are living for and every other thing in your life should tilt towards that thing. This is something you catch from God. It is commonly said that if you chase two rabbits, both will escape. The helicopter view should help to identify or refocus on the central thing your life should be chasing.