Try or Trial

James 1:12 ESV

In junior high school I was excited that for the first time we had choices to make about some classes. Home Economics was one of my choices. I was excited about taking a class where I could learn more about cooking and sewing.

As it turned out I learned a lot more than I expected.

In the sewing section when I took my homework to my house to work on my Mom told me I was not doing it quite right and she showed me how to do the sewing. She is a really good seamstress and I did what she said.

When I went back to school and turned it in I did not get high marks. I was always a great student and I was disappointed that I my steps were incorrect.

In cooking I had the same experience.

Even though I was young it didn’t take me long to figure out my teacher had one way of doing it and my Mom had another ear way of doing it. As the class progressed I figured out each of them was right ergo there’s always more than one way to complete a task.

That turned out to be an invaluable lesson for me in life.

I learned to do my work in the classroom because the teacher was giving the grade.

James 1,12 tells us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

The Iesson I learned was a wee bit silly, but that made me look on the bright side and laugh.

I laughed because I learned a great lesson about life and people. Everyone is different. Everyone has different experiences.

Later when I took culture courses in college and again in Seminary I was reminded once again our culture (and mini culture that exists inside the culture) often has differences…nuances that define us.

See, every culture approaches tasks in different ways.

In the western world we are primarily doing people. When we make a list (even an internal list inside our head) we DO the list…well for the most part. Relationships are more about what you like to do together.

Eastern cultures are primarily being people. They understand being in the moment.  Relationships look for deeper meaning and purpose. They intentionally look for a slower pace that has intentionality and purpose.

After studying the differences I realized definite advantages to both and I let go of some thoughts about what I was expected to DO and I slowly started adding thinking of being in the moment. At first it was very difficult but with time it started to feel more normative.

It was like a trial at first. I would try and fail, try and fail, try and fail. Ever so gradually it started to feel alright to do nothing but relax.

Just this morning while I was sitting with friends someone came in who was very upset about a recent change in the building where we live. I was once again reminded that being in the moment and relaxing IN the change, feeling the change was beneficial. I visualized a mechanism with turning wheels that gradually changed. By being in the moment I was in the process of receiving the change. I still felt it, but somehow I knew it would be alright.

Ultimately I am extremely grateful for my education which allowed me to understand that God created doing and being and both are beneficial. God is present when I try and fail, try and fail, and begin the process o trying and succeeding.

It’s a trial and God is present in the process.

God is ever so good to BE with me.

Deborah/acrazyjourney.com