Pottery – hands in contact with the clay in the making of a vase.

Woodworking – sandpaper against the wood in the smoothing of a table.

Tire manufacturing – cutting threads in rubber to improve road traction in the making of a tire.

Conflict – exploration and improved understanding of differences in the maturing of a relationship.

In the above situations, if there was no friction the product simply would not be finished, smooth, effective, or further developed.

Think about instances in your life where you hated the process or the challenge you found yourself going through. But when it was over, you felt gratified it happened simply because you became a better person – stronger, more resilient, wiser, more focused, more purposeful.

In the YouTube video entitled “CAR TYRES | How It’s Made” the narrator introduced the presentation and then expounded with the details of the tire manufacturing process. He mentioned that the rubber tire replaced historic versions of metal and wood. “Inflated rubber tires could better absorb the bumps on the road and the addition of thread gave this invention serious traction.” The process to reach the desired end involved extensive heat, pressure, layering, shaping, fusing, imprinting, and molding. Multiple pieces of machinery took turns in refining the raw material. Upon completion the tire was inspected to ensure that it was uniform and to trim away excess rubber. It was indeed a transformation.

In the same way, we will be tried under intense conditions which can make us feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or exhausted. Let me encourage you today to not expel yourself from the evolution you may be undergoing. You will attain improved value at the least and at best, a new version of yourself.

Job in the bible was tested and underwent some friction yet he understood that God knew his bent. He acknowledged that “…when he tests me, I will come out as pure gold (Job 23:10).” Hang in there.