Function

What’s your input?

The definition of a function is something I am and have been learning in college this past year. I don’t really want too. Thankfully I am in my last college algebra class and I pray I pass. 

A function is this:

 a relation between a set of inputs and a set of potential outputs with the property that each input is related to exactly one output. An example of such a relation is defined by the rule f(x) = x2, which relates an input x to its square, which are both real numbers. The output of the function f corresponding to an input x is denoted by f(x) (read "f of x"). If the input is –3, then the output is 9, and we may write f(–3) = 9.

 

For all of you who are not math majors and have no idea what that says, neither do I …ok I have a small idea let me see if I can explain.  A function is when you have one input that gives you exactly one output. If it gives you two outputs it’s not a function. That has got me thinking….

I love pizza!  I like the chicken, artichoke, garlic white sauce, mozzarella stuffed crust, pizza from Godfathers. It’s so good. I could eat four slices without breathing. The input of that is amazing and yummy and filling and I love every bite. The output though is not so great.  I also like to run, it’s a new thing for me and if I eat pizza I can’t run the next morning. It’s almost impossible. That’s the function of pizza on me.

I love music. I like all kinds. I love country, classic rock, new rock, oldies, ballads, musicals, rap, blues, techno, and my new favorite is Christian music. I find that each input of music gives me a different output. When I listen to country music with love songs and drinking songs I think about beer and tailgating and lost loves. When I listen to classic rock I think about sex and drugs and the good ole days. :-)  But when I listen to the newest Christian song on the radio the output is worship and praise of my King. 

I have amazing people in my life; some who pour into me. They teach me and guide me and lead me to the Savior. I also have people in my life who I try and pour into, I try to teach them and lead them to the Savior. Some of these relationships go both ways we are each other’s input and output. Mathematically this has a special name I am sure. I will ask next class and get back to you on that. 

I love how the Savior teaches me. I love how HE takes math and helps me understand HIM. I love how HE speaks to me thru you and I especially love how HE whispers to me when I am reading HIS word. The output of spending time with HIM is always good.