I love to be the helper and photographer in Tina's creative workshops. Over the years, I have heard the term “trust the process” hundreds of times flow from my wife’s lips as she has taught both experienced artists and beginners. I have limited vision or talent when it comes to painting but several years ago I sat in one of Tina’s classes and I learned firsthand that if I would just listen and follow her instruction, I would be able to complete a painting that was respectable and not tragic to look upon. That painting is a tangible reminder that if I can just trust the process I can do things that are completely foreign to me. On every opportunity I get I try to encourage people to come take a class from Tina, not because we need the money but because it is so freeing and transforming to the stale mindset we get into. “I can’t even draw a stick figure” is the most common response I get. When I tell Tina this she likes to say, “Thank goodness because we don’t do stick figures here”
Many people have overcome that initial doubt and grow in both their skill set and spiritually from the experience, but what the people who don’t try are missing out on is that magical moment when they find out that they can do something new. They can break free from the old ways and experience something new or something they have suppressed for one reason or another. We have a friend who for years hasn't pursued his gift at painting but has recently sat in on a class and is on fire again to create. His wife gifting him this one experience has given life to a talent he once put aside to pursue other things in his life. To see the fire in his eyes lifts those around him to new levels of excitement. Another lady that has sat in on several workshops is discovering that she has talents she never knew she had. Whatever happens when people gather here to learn, it is all life giving.
God has a process that if we trust it, we will benefit greatly. In fact, He has many processes based on the different circumstances we find ourselves experiencing. Some would call these processes principles or precepts. Whatever you call them just know that If we trust the great creator, we will find out that even if we don’t have the vision to move forward in something new, He will guide us and give us the skills necessary to complete the task. And He will help us to do something new and on a greater scale than an art lesson can do.
Proverbs 29:18 says “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” Just imagine if you were able to find joy in this crazy life. You can. Just trust the process.