July 22

“Few people realize the effect of thought upon the condition of the soul, that it is in fact its food, the substance from which it evolves its strength, health, and beauty, or upon which it may become weak, unhealthy, and deformed.  The things we think about are the things we feed upon.”  Hannah Whitall Smith, Daily Secrets, 7/22

This is a good way to look at thoughts--as food.  Behind every action that is not involuntary is a thought, but we often are not even aware of this.  We claim ignorance to why we do some of the things we do.  But how can this be?  Only breathing and other bodily functions can take place without thinking.  Everything else is something we decide to do whether or not we’re conscious of it or not.  This is why I was very careful about what my children saw when they were young.  But it never occurred to me to be concerned about what they saw “second hand”.  Just the TV news was enough to traumatize them without my realizing it.  Somewhere along the way one of my sons developed an intense fear of sharks, and we don’t even live near the ocean!  This is why the things we see and hear are important.  We must make a point to think on what is lovely and good, keeping our eyes upon the Lord, because He is the bread of life--not just for our salvation, but for our souls to feed upon and find nourishment in this life.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.’” John 6:35