Saturday, January 16, 2010

Tired & Hungry?

It is interesting to me to see the polar opposites in the behaviors and attitudes of Nephi and Laman and Lemuel. Take the situation they faced in 1 Nephi 16. They were exhausted and hungry-which I can relate to. When Nephi’s bow would no longer work to obtain food, the rest of the group blamed him for their misery. Although the bows of the other family members had broken as well, they still blamed Nephi. I can picture them all gathered around complaining and getting angry. They didn’t choose to better their predicament.
Instead of getting angry and defensive, Nephi got to work and made another bow. Then he went to his father and priesthood leader for direction. He received instructions from the Lord through the Liahona, and went to the mountain tops where he was able to find food.
Now, I’m pretty grouchy when I am tired and hungry, so I can understand the natural temptation to become upset; however, Nephi provides a better way to deal with the situation. When things are difficult and I feel like blaming another, or getting upset, which doesn’t change anything, I can get up, get to work, seek direction and help from my father and priesthood leaders, and then receive instructions through the Spirit. I then can move forward, take action and progress with a plan to correct the problem, or make it through the challenge. I hope that I can act more like Nephi.
This talk about food is making me hungry. I think I’ll go have some lunch, but probably not wild beasts.

2 comments:

Julie Herrell said...

I appreciate that thought. I am a mother of 7 and have 1 granddaughter, so I get tired and hungry a lot. :) I hope I can remember Nephi's example next time I feel that way. Thank you.

Kris said...

Keep up the good work!