What is Your Process?
On April 30, 2022, I discussed trusting the process in episode 3 of season 1 for Strategic Saturdays. I talked about a wise man who said it is not about the dream but the process, which stuck with me. Reflecting on God's plan for my life, I realize it is a journey of becoming.
In the following examples, conventional wisdom suggests that the value of becoming is in the result rather than the process. However, one cannot enjoy their results without the journey.
Crushed grapes make wine. The wine journey includes five steps. Harvesting is where it begins, picking the grape at the perfect time when it is ripe. Before crushing and pressing, one must remove the rotten grapes because the grapes are crushed in clusters then the seeds and skin are separated. In this magic step, fermentation occurs naturally over time. In the clarification step, the wine is filtered for impurities, and one can add additional items to filter out the remaining residue. The last step is the aging and bottling, in which the wine can be bottled immediately or aged further for desired taste.
Pressured carbon form diamonds. The availability of a carbon source determines a diamond formation produced through the earth, asteroid impact, or artificially. Focusing on the ground, around 100 miles deep, is where heat and pressure are significant enough to make diamonds from carbon. Carbon atoms bond to three other carbons to create graphite. Heat and pressure modify the atomic structure, resulting in a more robust form. Deep-source volcanic pipes bring diamonds to the surface, which are stored in a volcanic crater.
Pressed olives release oil. The oil process includes seven parts. Again, it begins with harvesting; good quality is essential to produce an excellent product. Next, grinding allows for the removal of branches and leaves as well as washing the olives with water. Then, crushing the olives helps release the oil by breaking down the plant tissue. After that, pressing must occur to extract the juice from the olives. Decanting follows to help with separating the oil and the waste. Quality control, then, aids with filtering the remaining impurities. The last step is bottling.
In darkness seeds grow. The reality is seeds need darkness to germinate, not light. In some cases, the light might slow the process. From warm water to proper depth in the soil to a suitable temperature aid with dark growth. After sprouting begins, then the seeds need light to continue their development.
Whether through wine, diamond, oil, or the growth process, there is value in becoming. When we look, we can see ourselves engaging with God. We are being found, cleaned, tested, and glorified regardless of interacting with His Word, Spirit, or Son. Becoming what God has called us to be from the earth's foundations is liberating.
Remember, whenever you feel crushed, under pressure, pressed, or in darkness, you are positioned to transform.
-TRUST THE PROCESS -
Dr. Samuel Hayes, Jr.