I enjoy the emotional ride of watching investment values move. There are times when natural logic helps you predict and anticipate where the price is going to be in the future. Most of time in today’s market, there is no logic. What was good yesterday is not today. What was out of favor can now be seen a something with potential. Then there are movements that seem to have little or no logic behind them. Everything is playing out in its own virtual world while physically affecting the lives of those that hold the stock.
I do not have any suggestions on how to better understand the volatility we find ourselves in. Candidly, I am as confused as anyone on the street. I do however find myself holding on to few simple guides.
As unusual as anything might be, it is still happening. Just because you or I did not believe it could happen, does not mean that it is not real. Life is full of surprises.
Life invites us to respond. We can learn from our reactions, evaluating how our principles played out in the process. In our minds or in our world, we have freedom. We are accountable for our use of this wonderful gift.
Given points one and two, unusual situations and our freedom to act, regardless of how real or not real we believe things are, we are where we think we are.
There is a model that emerges from an old story. When the instruction came to one man, “‘Grab your coat and let's get out of here.’ Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel—he thought he was dreaming.” (Acts 12.9)
When I look at the day that is coming, I know that I do not know what is going to happen. Ironically, this is not that important. What is important is my response. What will I do win this moment? Will I let Hope guide me? Do I want to help my community? The questions are here, in every moment, waiting for your response and mine.
