Trust the Process

Photo by Eleanor Grubb

Written by Tina Kramer

Scene 1

The medical technician explains how to use the heart monitor. Directions and procedures pour out of her like a burst of water from a garden hose, and my brain strains to absorb the flow of information. Filled with nervous energy, I interrupt her numerous times with questions. Sensing my anxiety, she reminds me to “trust the process.” On several occasions during that conversation, she repeats the phrase: “trust the process.” The phrase sticks in my head; it sounds like a good blog title. 

Scene 2

Paul Miller, our marriage therapist, is discussing a difficult subject with Sean and I. All sorts of conflicting emotions flood my mind. Facing relational problems can be extremely unpleasant, and I send Paul a text message later that week that I am not ready to move forward on this issue. 

Scene 3

Pastor Thom stands at the pulpit and teaches on the process of reconciliation from Philemon. On the screen, in big letters beams the phrase: “TRUST THE PROCESS.” Immediately, our marriage therapist comes to mind. 

I text Paul this message: “God has told me twice in recent days to ‘trust the process.’ Do whatever God leads you to do next time we meet. I am ready.”

Scene 4

During our next marriage therapy session, Paul shares with us about his own journey of healing. Surprisingly, Sean and I are able to discuss some very difficult topics, and I stay relatively calm.

Scene 5

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, both Sean and I apologize to each other. Internally, there is a shift; it feels like someone has applied aloe to a sunburn. Sean called it my “heart medicine.” 

Scene 6

I sense that my journey of trauma therapy is not complete and that perhaps Paul’s counseling technique of spirit-focused therapy might be the missing piece. During our next therapy session, we discuss the idea of me doing trauma therapy with Sean. Sean agrees to this plan.  

The first question is about our experience being parents. As I share about being a mother for the first time, I explain how being a parent expanded my view of God: “If I feel these feelings of love for my child, how much more does God feel that way about me?”

Paul replies with astonishment, “That is exactly what God said to me during my healing journey!”

Reflection

God is working. God is healing. Something exciting is happening! Can you feel it?

What about you? Do you long for wholeness in your life and relationships? If you are ready to pursue the path of therapy, I recommend:

Spirit Focused Marriage and Family Therapy

Paul Miller MaMFT

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/777825

Prayer

God, I am amazed at how you have been working in our lives. You are revealing yourself to us in very personal ways. It amazes me how you bring people into our journey at just the right time. You are moving in our hearts, and I worship you!

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Prayer Request

Keep Sean and me in your prayers as we journey through trauma therapy together. Pray for our therapist, Paul Miller, that God will give him wisdom as he counsels us.