1 a : progress, advance
2 a (1) : a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result
Look at humanity. Look at the sheer numbers. Look at the cycles of history as it relates to:
Great Civilizations: Oppression, Religious Fervor, Courage and Determination, Freedom, Democracy, Greed, Entitlement…. Oppression.
Individuals: Ignorance of youth, Wonder of discovery, Creativity, Pride, Knowledge, Experience, Wisdom, Humility…. Dementia…. (that last one is a joke.)
Do we have the grace as individuals, to look at and submit to the process of our lives? As Christians, that process is nothing less than the direct providence of God. He is actively at work, removing the random chance element, and minimising the effects of evil in our lives, to the extent that we involve Him.
Sometimes I wonder if God ever gets tired of showing us stupid people the same things over and over and over and over again. My brother says, “Every hundred years, all new poeple.”
It’s funny, but when I ask the question, I hear (in my heart) the answer: “No, child. Did you hate changing the diapers of your second daughter? Was it a burden to teach her how to walk? I fall in love with every one of my children, even more then you do.” Now I don’t know about you, but diaper time was bonding time, and I never hated it. My wife got to do the breast feeding, and when I was home, I did the diapers. I adore my children, and I marvel (and am amused) at listening to my daughter try to form words, sentences, and express her ideas, which are so important to her, and often TOTALLY confused and inaccurate. Her process is a joy for me. As much as she may want to be grown up, I’m perfectly content to spend every available moment with my 3-year old. I look forward to debating with her when she’s a teen or in college, but I don’t need to teach her those grown up things now.
I have been challenged to pay more attention to my own process than to that of those around me. I have realized that focusing on someone else’s process is merely a distraction from what I should be doing–attending to mine.
Sometimes our processes cross. When they do, it should be the result of Providence (doing what God has us doing). Too often we force our process on others; out of sheer altruism, we assume that the truth in our process is the truth for all.
I challenge us not to interfere with others’ process. Support, encourage, love and serve. Let God do the rest.