Making Revisions

I recently read the introduction of a book that helps teach young children  how to read.  In it, the author spoke of the rigorous revision process that the book went through before it was put into print.  It was fascinating to me! After each draft was written, the program was utilized in a classroom of children. If the children had problems with any of the exercises presented in the program, the authors drew the conclusion that the program, not the students, was to be blamed. They would then make corrections to the program to make it more effective.

As a homeschooling mother, I can relate to this type of thinking.  If my child isn't understanding a concept after going over it numerous times, then the frustration sets in.  Yet, instead of thinking that my child isn't trying hard enough, or focusing well enough, I have to step back and place the blame on myself.  As a teacher, it's my responsibility to change the way I present the material until my child has a clear understanding of it.

The same holds true in my personal life.  Our society is obsessed with placing the blame on everyone around us, and not fixing the real root of the problem.   We love to point fingers and pass the buck, when in reality we all need to be making constant revisions in our own lives. When we allow the Lord to show us the junk inside ourselves, and we are willing to get rid of it, we make room for new and wonderful things.

I love the editing process. I like to take pictures and then download them into photo shop.  It's like having an artistic canvas to fix flaws with the click of a mouse.  I can erase wrinkles, blast blemishes, and bring each photo up to it's maximum potential.  I do the same thing in my life....only it's not nearly as fun. I compare my life with the Word of God, and take note of flaws that need fixing.  Then, I take that same amazing tool and use it to help me reach my fullest potential...just like a photo in photo shop. Believe me, it's a whole lot easier to blame the past for the way I am, or to find fault with others.  Yet, when I take the time to recognize that it's me that needs to change and replace the bad qualities with ones that are pleasing to God, it transforms me.  It makes me grow.  It makes me stronger.  It's cleansing.

God's got a whole lot of revision to help me do in my life.  In fact, you won't be able to see the final amazing product until I'm in heaven, free from the sin and bondage that weighs me down in this life.  "And I'm sure of this, that he who began a good work in [me], will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

The great benefit of making "revisions" in your life is that you will be so busy working on your own character, that you will no longer focus on finding flaws in other people. 

 Think of it as though you're just getting ready for your "close-up"!