Hunger and Thirst

Today is Memorial Day.  We have had an absolutely wonderful weekend at the Jones Family Reunion.  We missed those who were unable to come and honored those who we will not see again in this earthly life.  I think my belly has never been so full.  Why is it, when we plan get togethers, food is abundant and passes excess?! 
Sunday some of us attended church at the old hometown Ward.  The Missionaries serving in that area spoke, and I found myself jotting down ideas for today's blog. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:

for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

Hunger's footnote asks us to look at the Topical Guide for the word Teachable.  There we find a list of suggested alternative keywords to search. I think it makes for a list of the qualities we must possess in order to be Teachable. We must

• Believe
• have a Contrite Heart
• and Humility
• be committed to Learning
• be Meek

One of the Missionaries who spoke gave another key element to being teachable.

• 
  
  Invite the Spirit 

Believe -

"...Be not afraid, only believe."  Mark 5:36

How much more simple or straightforward can He be....if we can "only believe" all he offers in his teachings. 

Contrite Heart -

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite...spirit, ...and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15

I know of no better teacher than our Savior, if we can possess a contrite heart, or heart that is repentant, he will dwell with us, teach us, and revive our weary hearts.

Humility

And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge... D&C 1:28

That almost sounds like a contradiction in terms - to be humble AND strong?  But when we are humble, we are teachable and able to receive knowledge from on high.  When I picture Christ and think of his attributes.  I can see that he is humble, yet strong.  He knows from whom all blessings flow, acknowledges his Father in all things, and is strong in his committment. 

Learning -

I have linked learning, I feel it is worth at least skimming though the passages of scripture listed there.  We must never stop learning!

Meek -
I recently touched on meek, so will only add -
The meek will he aguide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. Psalms 25:9
Invite the Spirit -
None of this is possible without the Spirit who knows all things and testifies of truth.  When we pray specifically to feel the Spirit - it is like having Christ as our constant Professor in life. Do we hunger after righteousness the way we do Dutch Oven Chicken and Potatoes? S'mores around the family campfire? or do we thirst for Christ's teachings like we long for loved we seldom see or will not see on this side of the veil?  It may sound basic, but do we do it?