Trust The Process

Often times we look for quick answers, fast solutions, and the final step to happen right away because we've lost patience, given up on our own abilities, or are too focused on the end result. We lose sight of what can happen in the process.

I remember at our daughter’s last birthday party, she wanted to make slime with her friends. Of course, being the great parents that we are, we checked into it. As we researched recipes, I remember thinking “wouldn’t it be easier to just buy it so each girl at the party can have their own to take home with them. No fuss! No mess! No problem.”

Absolutely not! It’s about the experience. Not wanting to rob my 10-year-old of the "experience", we decided on a certain recipe and bought the supplies.

Fast forward to the slime making part of the party. 3 trays full of gooey, messy, GLITTERY stuff with 9 girls hands in it up to their elbows squishing, slopping, turning, mixing all the while I’m hearing laughing, screaming, giggling, and joy being created.

As they did this, the glop in the trays began to get harder and harder until it finally became a rubber brick. No slime here. So much for the take-home slime for each girl. We had to pitch the entire project.

I reflect back on that time to discover it really had nothing to do with the outcome of the slime, but it had everything to do with what happened in the making of the slime.

The process.

See, in that particular process, friendships were strengthened, risks were taken, memories were made, creativity and individuality were expressed, and the BEST medicine (laughter) was at the core of every girl participating. Yes, the outcome was a disaster, but the process was what counted most.

At some point or another (sometimes weekly or even daily), we all face a difficult situation, struggle, or transition. It’s hard! We hate it! We wonder if the end result will be greater than the mess we currently see.

Think with me for a moment about a grape in winemaking. What is it’s purpose? How does it transform from the fruit to the wine? It has to go through a time of seasoning to ripen. Then the pressing and crushing. After that, it still must sit and wait before it can fulfill its intended purpose. Sound familiar?

1. Purpose. What is yours? We all have one. We were created with intention. Everything we go through is a step towards fulfilling that purpose.

2. The seasoning process. We go through things to soften us, humble us, prepare us for what’s next. There are definitely seasons in our lives. Spicy, salty, or sweet. Summer, spring, or winter. Think about how boring life would be without SEASONing.

3. The crushing and pressing. OUCH! I think we all hate this step just a little bit, but it is necessary for pulling out of us what He needs to make the final product. TD Jakes said something in his devotional Crushing that really stuck out to me. ”God could not ferment my fruit without the frustration. God could not ferment my fruit into His wine for MAXIMUM POTENCY without my willingness to relinquish it to His winepress.” We have to go through the pressing to release the maximum potency of who we are and what we have to offer. A definition of potency is "the power of something to influence or make an impression". WOW! We are crushed to release our potency.

4. The waiting. Oh! The waiting! I think we often hate this step more than the crushing. I also believe this is God’s specialty. The waiting may be the most frustrating, but it is necessary for Him to bring us to our full purpose. Culinary delights cannot be rushed. Cure, marinate, tenderize, brine, rest, let stand. All of these steps require time and are essential to the outcome of the dish.

In creating a masterpiece there are days of success and times that seem like a complete disaster. Wherever you are, whatever you are creating, know The Process is what's most important. Even if it feels messy. Even if it's taking forever. Even if it's painful. Trust the process.