Design is Iterative
Engineering design is a process that takes time.
Most contracts require a design schedule, which dictates when iterations of the design will be submitted.
The iteration is the repeating of a procedure and sequence of operations to yield results that are successively closer to a desired result. It is the continued “honing” in of the design until it meets the needs of the client and solves the problem optimally.
Optimal solutions are considerate of cost, accuracy, precision, and aesthetic. This is the reality of the design process. It is not a one-stop shop of one-size fits all but
The same is true of the development of our lives. They are built in iterations or continued development day by day in our lives as believers. It is the conforming into the image of God by the Spirit from glory to glory as Paul writes.
In the same way that Engineers iterate their design to more accurately meet the needs of their project, Disciples iterate our lives to look more like Jesus every single day.
Let’s look at this more practically as we think about design and our daily lives.
First Try is for Understanding
The first time the Engineer puts out a design it is for understanding the problem. It gets a thought on paper to help contextualize the problem better and allow us to ask the right questions.
There are variables to consider, questions to ask, and contributing factors that we do not even think to think about until we try the first time. Sometimes you do not think that the existing fence, telephone pole, or even things that are on site that were not visible from old photos are going to impact your design until you put it on paper and realize those are all within just a couple feet of the ideal spot.
These things must be understood for a good design and they cannot be considered until you try the first time.
The same is true of our lives!
Until we begin to prioritize and practice daily spiritual disciplines we will not realize that the mornings are very hard to be productive. We cannot realize that taking the dog out and picking up the babies toys would impact our morning routine until we live it out.
The first try in the design of our life is to understand the context of our own ability or understanding. We have to figure out if we are morning people or not, what helps us to focus and what doesn’t, if we tend to think positively or are more pessimistic.
When we understand our lives then we can let the work of the Holy Spirit transform our lives through prayer and application of His Word.
When we get the understanding then we can really BEGIN designing. The same is true in Engineering also.
Third Time’s…..The Beginning?
About the 65-75% iteration of design (which is the third submittal in most contracts) is where the design really begins.
This is where Engineers are really working through the details and making their design precise, accurate, and everything begins to come together in the best solution possible. The journey through the design process is essential so that your design can be successful. Without understanding what does not work, what could cause road bumps, or unexpected variables the design is destined to fail. This is why the design process is iterative. To have the best possible solution in the context of our project.
In the context of our lives the best possible solution to holy, Christian living is through iteration. Your journey is not riddled with failures—it is providing the needed context to iterate your design further. You are learning all the ways not to and that are best to design your life so that you can have the optimal solution possible for your life, your family, and with your context.
The design of our lives is iterative and that is okay!
Jesus wants us to develop every day WITH Him. If that is what we are doing as we iterate the design of our lives then we are living the way that God has called us to live. Now it is time to build it!
Construction Requires Adaptation
Every good design ends up in construction. Okay…this may not be true because most of that is tied to client funding; however, it is true of our lives. God gave them to us to live boldly so every design of our lives does get built.
When a design goes to construction there are a few things to understand.
The same can be understood about our lives. There is so much in our lives that we cannot control. The chaos of the fallen world around us would provide unexpected site conditions for the design of our lives. How we respond and adapt to those changes is the success of our project.
The great news is the onsite Project Engineer has authority and wisdom to provide the guidance needed in construction to make the RIGHT changes. The on-site Engineer of our lives is Jesus through His Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts. When He suggests a change or adaptation we know it is the best course of action for our growth.
Theory Isn’t Greater
The reality of construction is that theory is not greater than the application of the proper principle.
The design at its core is a theoretical application of the PRINCIPLES of engineering. The key is to practice the principle in the best way possible.
This is why field changes in construction are often appropriate. When theory does not work the key is to apply the principle of Engineering to provide the best solution—not the one we thought would work.
In construction our design changes to adapt to the things we cannot control.
When chaos ensues on the construction site a good engineer can adapt and keep the spirit of the design even if the practice adjusts slightly.
As life throws changes to our context our success is being able to adapt to maintain the spirit and principle of God’s word even if our daily practices have to change.
If the burden of care in our life increases because a family member is battling sickness, or a long recovery, the time we dedicate to prayer and Bible study will adapt to the schedule of their care. It may be altogether different than designed but must continue on. The principle of daily connection to God must continue and we will adapt accordingly to maintain the practice of our relationship with Jesus.
The success of building our lives the way that God has commissioned us is being able to adapt to the changes of our lives to KEEP the principles and spirit of our relationship with God.
Building IS the Process
The actual building of the design is just as much design as the design itself.
As building begins the changes, implementation of the specifications, and all other means and methods of construction is the application of the design.
If the design is never put into practice and applied in construction than it is nothing more than good ideas on pretty pages.
As we build our lives this is the glory of God. Actually living in this world, while not of this world, for the salvation of this world is the process!
It is the application of the design of our lives that is pleasing to the Lord. This is why James declares that faith without works is dead. The nature of our faith and belief that the Bible, our specifications in the New Covenant, is true leads us to live our lives according to its instruction.
When we keep God’s commandments and live out the word of God in our daily practice we are living the process. We are completing the project. This is the actually work. It is the expression of our love and belief in and for Him.
Do not be afraid of building because the process brings changes, or unseen site conditions, or even a relocation or redesign. The actual living of our lives according to God’s word is what pleases Him and what conforms us to His image. It is what builds up the spiritual house that we are becoming.
Enjoy the excitement of the process and the continued development that leads us all that closer to project completion every day.
Its Okay to Iterate
So, before you would discourage yourself or trust the lie of the enemy that because you are having to try different methods or means to design and construct this life that God has called us to, remember that design is iterative.
The first try is for understanding and each iteration after that gets us one step closer to being who God has called us to be.
Be encouraged today, you are not failing because you are iterating your design, you are actually living out God’s intended and designed purpose for our lives.
Build on the Chief Cornerstone and the foundation of our lives which is Him and Him alone.
God bless and keep iterating because the best solution is the practice of design and construction.
Let's build together.