I've heard the word "Process" in my head lately. Process...process. What does it mean, really? What am I saying when I say, "I'm going through a process"? The dictionary defines process in a few different ways:
1. a systematic series of actions directed to some end
2. a continuous action, operation, or series of changes taking place in a definite manner
3. the action of going forward or on
4. to treat or prepare by some particular process, as in manufacturing
5. to require (someone) to answer questionnaires, perform various tasks, and sometimes to undergo physical and aptitude classification examinations before the beginning or termination of a period of service
The word process is from the latin processus meaning "a going forward". So I guess, by definition, one may conclude that if someone is in a process, it is not possible to go backwards. Digression would negate the prescence of a process.
As a Christian, I feel the pains of the "process" of becoming a disciple of Christ. It's not a constant pain. Sometimes, I hardly notice the process. Sunny days are bright and cheerful. All is right in my world and I skip along on my merry way, proud of my accomplishments and the places I'm heading. Other times, my whole world seems to fall around me. My words are harsh, my thoughts dark. I trudge along, up a muddy hill, cursing the process.
Process means change; continuous actions in a forward movement. Change is frustrating. Foreward movement means I'm going places I've never been before. I'm learning new things. It's about dealing with the ugly parts of my life that I haven't had to deal with before now. And suddenly, there I am, face to face with my humanity. If I pretended the process didn't exist, my reflection would be beautiful. But I've asked for the process. I wear it like a pair of glasses, allowing me to see clearly. The shocking clarity saddens me, but also shows me the flaws I can fix. I won't always be this messy looking. The process will end when Perfection comes back.
If I stay true to the process, it means I won't digress. I won't get too far away from my goal. Only closer. It's sure to get harder, but it also means I'm closer to completion.
27.4.09
15.4.09
Jesus Loves Me
I recently watched a moved called, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (The newer one starring Keanu Reeves). For those of you who have never seen it, it's about aliens who come to earth with a mission to save Earth from humans. The aliens had been watching the humans as they had slowly destroyed the life that is on Earth. In order to stop the destruction, the aliens put a plan into effect that will rid the Earth of humans and start over again. I guess it's sort of a modern day Noah's Ark. Only more alien-y.
One scene in the movie shows the main alien, (Klaatu) who has landed on Earth to start the process of elimination, head into McDonalds for a meeting. The man who joins him in the booth is a small elderly Chinese man named Mr. Wu. As the two carry out the conversation, we learn that Mr. Wu is actually an alien who has been living on Earth for the past 70 years. He had be studying humans and learning about how they live in order to report back to his superiors.
After Mr. Wu informs Klaatu that humans are, in fact, a destructive race, and that they will never change, Klaatu tells Mr. Wu that the process has begun and that Mr. Wu needs to head home:
Klaatu: You can't stay here.
Mr. Wu: I can and I will.
Klaatu: If you stay, you'll die
Mr. Wu: I know. This is my home now.
Klaatu: You yourself called them a destructive race.
Mr. Wu: That's true, but still there is another side. You see, I love them. It is a very strange thing. I cant find a way to explain it to you...True, my life is difficult, but as this life is coming to an end, I consider myself lucky to have lived it.
Watching this little scene, I couldn't help but think about Jesus. He loves us. He lived on Earth with us. He saw that we are a destructive race. He saw that we are evil and hurtful and deceitful. He knows that we will never change. But, it's very strange. He loves us.
He sees that I am part of this destructive race. He sees that I have bad attitudes and dishonest conversations and a lazy spirit. But He loves me.
I think perhaps He looks at us and sees our potential. He knows we were created for beauty and graciousness and wonder. He looks at us and remembers what we looked like in the Garden. True, we are a destructive race, but He looks at the other side. He loves us.
One scene in the movie shows the main alien, (Klaatu) who has landed on Earth to start the process of elimination, head into McDonalds for a meeting. The man who joins him in the booth is a small elderly Chinese man named Mr. Wu. As the two carry out the conversation, we learn that Mr. Wu is actually an alien who has been living on Earth for the past 70 years. He had be studying humans and learning about how they live in order to report back to his superiors.
After Mr. Wu informs Klaatu that humans are, in fact, a destructive race, and that they will never change, Klaatu tells Mr. Wu that the process has begun and that Mr. Wu needs to head home:
Klaatu: You can't stay here.
Mr. Wu: I can and I will.
Klaatu: If you stay, you'll die
Mr. Wu: I know. This is my home now.
Klaatu: You yourself called them a destructive race.
Mr. Wu: That's true, but still there is another side. You see, I love them. It is a very strange thing. I cant find a way to explain it to you...True, my life is difficult, but as this life is coming to an end, I consider myself lucky to have lived it.
Watching this little scene, I couldn't help but think about Jesus. He loves us. He lived on Earth with us. He saw that we are a destructive race. He saw that we are evil and hurtful and deceitful. He knows that we will never change. But, it's very strange. He loves us.
He sees that I am part of this destructive race. He sees that I have bad attitudes and dishonest conversations and a lazy spirit. But He loves me.
I think perhaps He looks at us and sees our potential. He knows we were created for beauty and graciousness and wonder. He looks at us and remembers what we looked like in the Garden. True, we are a destructive race, but He looks at the other side. He loves us.
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