Formulas

I am a math major. I look at formulas, plug in numbers over and over; answers come out.
I am a piano major. I look at patterns, play the notes over and over; music come out.
I am a believer. I listen to sermons, apply sermon notes over and over; opps...

This summer, I find myself wanting to grow in Christ, which is good. However, I still like to take things onto myself. I like to take practical steps. When I find them working, I tend to repeat them, thinking that they are the things that bring me growth. And to my surprise (haha, "to my surprise"), most of the times they don't work. And I wonder why. I fail to realize that God wants to guide me in the learning process, and I am not supposed to repeat certain motions brainlessly. It might give me some growth, but it'll not get me too far.

I am like this girl who's going across the ocean with her dad, and for the first two days, Dad is like: "Jean, let me teach you how to swim." After learning them, I kind of told Dad: "Hey dad, I can take care of myself, and I'll meet you on the other side of the ocean." Before Dad could say anything, I start swimming, thinking that I know all the moves.

If I keep going, I would be in the middle of the ocean, tired and not knowing which direction to turn to. Dad, of course, would come and rescue me, and would say to me: "Jean, after you learned swimming, I want to teach you sailing so you can get there fast and safely."

It's this concept of practice VS. principle again. I really need to know that why things are done a certain way, and why I am practicing them. I need to understand the formulas, learn the functions of the music patterns, and listen to God's guidance.

So... yeah, superglue yourself to God, Jean.