Have you ever taken time to step back and truly appreciate the work that was put into designing something that you are using? I know we enjoy using the new “gadget” whether it be a new car, new phone or let’s even make it more personal like a newborn baby or a new friendship.
David said “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it”. (Psalm 139:14 NLT)
In one of my Systems Engineering courses, I have an assignment where the students are challenged to reverse design a system of choice. They literally take it apart, and as they do they get a better understanding of how it was put together. Some things that were not visible are no longer hidden. Through this exercise, one of my hopes is that students are able to truly appreciate all of the work that goes into the design of the system while encouraging them to take care of it the way instructed because the same intentionality dedicated towards designing it was used in the instructions on how to care for it.
For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see-such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world EVERYTHING was created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1: 16)
Let’s reflect on the last time we have truly taken time to appreciate the time and work put into something, anything? I mean seriously take time to appreciate it? Maybe David was on to something! The word complex is a term we use to describe so many systems but the word before it “wonderful” should change the lens that we look at that complexity.
If we dig a little deeper, we know that Jesus came to give life. When I think of life, I think of green grass and plants and children. What do they all have in common? I believe what they have in common is that they are all growing. You know who else is growing? WE ARE! If we are not open to growing, becoming better what are we doing? It goes without saying that none of us are perfect, right? Becoming more like Christ is a lifelong, continuous process of transformation.
Paul said with a thankful heart “ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the good news about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”( Philippians 1:3-6 NLT).
How do we participate in this continuous process with God? What is our heart posture? Are we kicking and screaming? Are we sad and overwhelmed? Are we looking up to a loving Father with great expectation or “All the Above”? What if this part of your process is written into your story by design? No matter where your heart is right now, may I encourage you to bring it to the only one who is not only able but is willing to meet you right there wherever you are, literally!
When you look at the design process phase on average it accounts for 15%-35% of the Lifecycle time for a given system. We can’t discount that! How does that change the way that we look at things or even ourselves as we are going through our processes of growing and maturing.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-the moon and the stars you set in place- what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them. (Psalm 8:3-4)
As we approach this season of Thanksgiving, let’s take time to reflect on and appreciate the design process of things including ourselves.
In Love,
Corina White
Deeply Loved, Forgiven and Chosen by God
Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
