Cadence and Papa Rich practicing physics
Limits of Understanding
Though I was a good student, physics defied me. My brain didn’t tune in to the distinction between mass and weight; my eyes glazed over when I tried to comprehend formulas full of variables. My sister, an engineer, sent me her Schaum’s Outline. My dad, another engineer, tried to explain things to me.
Understanding eluded me.
Have I mentioned that this was bonehead physics? Accustomed to earning good grades without exerting too much effort, I didn’t know how to cope with this class. I was frustrated.
The fact is, I could complete the study problems. I could work through the exam questions and arrive at the proper answer. But I didn’t understand it. I was parroting physics. And it bugged me.
One Friday evening I was discussing this situation–venting, more accurately–with my mother. And she provided the lesson that carried me through physics. “Well, honey,” she said to me, “so long as you can pass the assignments and the tests, is it so important that you understand it all? Maybe it will make sense to you later in the course.”
I’d never looked at it that way before, but her words gave me the peace I needed to complete the course. Today, I think of what a great lesson those words provide for my walk in faith.
I’ve written before about my expectations of complete understanding and its pitfalls for a faithful life.
Mom pointed out that I could complete the physics assignments and trust that my understanding of the theories would grow.
We have that same promise from our King.
Thanks, Mom. Thanks, God!
21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. 23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”24 Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
Mark 4:21-25 (NLT)
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