"Works in Progress"

“Works in Progress”

When I write one of these articles several steps are involved. The process begins with choosing an idea gleaned from any one (or more) of many sources—conversations, observations, news stories and my personal experiences to cite a few—which I’ve accumulated (the time element can be one day to many years). Next I jot down some key thoughts (including Scripture references) to expand the original concept. From this I compose an initial draft which I run by Karen for her suggestions (she offers a lot of good ones). I then review it several times to clarify by changing words as well as adding and subtracting. Once I’m reasonably comfortable with what I’ve put on paper I type it into the computer (even as I’m doing this I’m apt to make changes) and print a hard copy which I place in a three-ring binder. Since I try to work ahead the piece is usually posted about two months later. (See the previous essay “What to Write” for more on this procedure.)

I could edit my work ad nauseam and probably find something to say differently each time I go over it but at some point I have to leave it or it’d never see the light of day. Agur observed that “There are…things that are never satisfied…that never say ‘Enough’….” (Proverbs 30:15). Solomon learned this as he pursued knowledge, pleasure, achievements and other attempts to find fulfillment but never did until he saw that life was summed up in the simple statement, “Fear God and keep his commandments….” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). So at some point I have to leave these blogs (and everything else in my life) in God’s hands and follow after Him in obedience.

While we must stop trying to reach perfection through our human efforts God never ceases His work in and for us. The Apostle Paul writes, “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6). The Hemphills put this thought into music when they wrote, “He’s still working on me to make me what I need to be….” And remember the old bumper sticker: “Be patient. God’s not done with me yet.” So we’re all works in progress which will continue until we’re with Him.

(I guess I’ve fined tuned this enough. It’s time to type.)

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan