Mar

10

The Law of Entropy

March 10, 2010 | 1 Comment

A while back we watched the movie I Am Legend. In the movie, a virus has spread across the planet and turned the human race into bloodthirsty monsters. Now, mankind’s only hope for survival is scientist Robert Neville (played by Will Smith), the one person left unaffected by the epidemic. When he’s not fighting for his life against wild animals and the hordes of the infected, Neville searches for a cure to reverse the virus’s effects. It’s a dark and violent movie – not my idea of a relaxing evening. But I noticed something that made me think of so many challenging people I’ve worked with.

The thing that struck me was that in the short time since the epidemic, nature has reclaimed civilization. Wild animals roam the streets of the city while overgrowth makes it look like a jungle. What just a few months before had been a teeming city has become wild and untamed. I was struck by how important it is to actively work against entropy. To apply self-discipline to maintain a civilized lifestyle.

Do you have a person in your group or life who demonstrates the law of entropy? Let’s call him Edgar Entropy. Edgar seems to be all over the place in personal management and grooming. He seems to need constant care and oversight to just stay normal. He doesn’t naturally understand the importance of doing the laundry, taking a shower, or emptying his garbage. Yes, there is usually a mental health problem. And there is almost always childhood wounding. How can you intervene to help an Edgar move forward toward maturity? Over the years, I’ve learned several tips that help move a person away from entropy to civilization.

  • Love, love, love. More than anything else, Edgar needs to know that he’s loved and accepted.  He needs to know that you’re glad to be with him. He needs to know that you love him just as he is.
  • Notice, notice, notice. Edgar needs you to notice the little itty-bitty baby steps he makes toward wholeness. To you, showing up for church is normal. To Edgar, it’s a huge deal. Notice and affirm.
  • Include, include, include: Edgar doesn’t go out much and he doesn’t have friends. An invitation to dinner is priceless. We try to include Edgar in group events as well as inviting him to dinner as often as possible. It’s usually the only good meals he gets and the only companionship.
  • Encourage, encourage, encourage. If Edgar shows an interest in growing, set small goals and encourage him to meet them. Daily if possible. The Edgar in my life has problems taking his garbage out. For weeks. He wants to. But he just isn’t self-motivated. We’ve spent several months with my husband or I calling him almost daily to check on and encourage him. He’s just about formed a habit – but not quite. He still slips up regularly.
  • Repeat, repeat, repeat. Edgar reminds me of teeth that need braces. Very gentle, constant pressure over a very long time will indeed result in progress. But let him go for a few days and sure enough, the wild animals will take over.

I like fast action. I like instant success. I like for people to “get it” the first time. That won’t be the case with Edgar. In Deuteronomy 7:22, Moses warns the Israelites on the border of the Promised Land, “The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.” Yep, that’s the law of entropy. Pay attention or Edgar’s carnal nature will overcome civilization.

Photo Courtesy of © Flicker Creative Commons/Marc Eschenlohr
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Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. photoshop cs3 crack download on March 15, 2010 11:12 am

    I enjoyed this! Well done!

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