I begin with my left hand; the one that's been getting stronger and less awkward with all the practice I've put it through. Simple count, 1 - 2 - 3 - 4. I go through every exercise, building on the one before and working my way into playing, really playing.

Learning how to talk to God...its like learning to the get tempo in my head. My left hand needs to feel it, a constant rhythm, a steady beat, tying everything together and providing a stage for the right hand to dance upon.

He's my constant rhythm. The more I talk to Him as a habit, the more I can hear that faint tapping that keeps me steady as I do everything else. When I practiced those rhythm patterns over and over it wasn't much fun, but now as I play I am finding an awareness of the beat. I feel the tempo and my left hand feels led by it, not dominated, like a subtle nudge that keep things sounding beautiful.

Practice in the secret place and awareness of the rhythm will grow. Your heart naturally finds its home, its safe place, its rhythm, with His heartbeat. Subtle though it may be, your life will start to fall into place almost naturally.

So I sit down to do the exercises of faith. I remember when they used to be a joy because I wanted Him. Well, it looks like I've gotta train my heart, just like I've trained my ear; it's time to fall into step with His perfect melody again.