I had a kid ask me the other day why I couldn’t give my infant son water out of my water bottle.
I explained that a baby’s tummy is so small that you should only fill it with milk that gives him all the nutrients he needs.
If you gave him water, he would think he was full, but he would starve because he wouldn’t have the nutrients he needs.
I told her that even though it may seem counter-intuitive, he gets all the “hydration” he needs from the milk he drinks!
So this scripture in 2 Nephi jumped out to me when I read it.
What are the things that I am doing with my time and energy that I THINK are giving me nourishment, but are really just taking up space that the important things need?
Social media. Watching shows. Checking email (again). Lots of outside commitments. A to-do list filled with things that aren’t necessary. Perfectionism. Busy work for a calling instead of focusing on the most important parts. Keeping up appearances.
And many more depending on different stages of life.
Sometimes, we trick ourselves into thinking that we are busy with important things.
But in reality, we are fooling ourselves, and we end up depleted of spiritual nourishment.
And sometimes, it can confuse us for a bit! “Wait a second, I spent a lot of time planning a great lesson for Sunday. I’ve been keeping up with lots of good friends on Facebook. I’m making sure my house is clean before I go to bed. My kids are involved in lots of good activities. Why am I missing my connection with God? Why do I feel spiritually starving?”
None of these things are bad on their own.
Water is good! It’s a component of breast milk or formula!
But when we stuff ourselves full of these things, we miss out on the things that truly NOURISH our soul.
We’ve got limited time. Let’s make true nourishment our priority.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
