So far in contemplating our infancy and how we might base our present lives on it, we have learned four things (from previous blogs).

1.  Receive -- receive gifts, nourishment, knowledge, etc. from heavenly Father and His creation

2.  Be -- instead of 'doing' or 'having'.  God's love is shed upon you simply because you are living.  This worth cannot be earned by us or withdrawn by anyone in heaven or earth.

3.  Body and touch -- be conscious of and rejoice in your muscles, your lungs,  your sight, etc.  Realize that mental, emotional and spiritual health cannot be maintained without some physical contact with others.

4.  You lived before -- and all that you were and are from before this life entered this new physical creation (infant physical body).  You are endowed from birth with unique gifts and abilities.  You are a spiritual being.

Now let us consider how love is transmitted to and recognized by an infant.

She has needs.  These needs are signaled to the parent and the parent fulfills the needs.  Fulfilled needs maintain and expand life.  Unfulfilled needs, if they remain so, lead surely and shortly to a damaged, poor and blind existence and even death (i.e. starvation, etc.).

I think that the experience that a child has with his parents must transition into a relationship with the Redeemer fulfilling our human needs.  (Also, as spouses we are privileged to fill theneeds of that man or woman.)  Of course, as friends and family we can continue to help fill needs, but the adult transitions to realizing that that ultimate source is the Savior, and that we are just helping the Savior with this work.

But back to thinking of how we are as a baby -- love and happiness is contributed to in large measure by body cells, chemicals and systems functioning at the highest level of nourishment (needs met).  (Also to being loved and touched and such, but I spoke of that in a previous blog, and see #3 above.)

As adults we are no different.  Nourished and functioning body systems are pre-requisite for most of us to be able to accept God's love, to feel the Spirit, and to have cheer.

A baby finds herself calling out for help, to cry about her need.  She learns that her mother answers, that her mother gives, and that her mother stays close by (God's work, yes?).

So in our present, adult lives, how could we use these ideas to improve our life?  First -- accept yourself as a package of needs.  Realize that the Savior and His gospel have the fulfillment of your needs.  Do not feel shame for "calling out" for your needs to be filled.  Secondly --learn what nourishment is best to bring into your body systems and how to cleanse your body so that you mind will be firm and full of God's love.

[I wrote this is 1999. I do not present this writing as a representation of doctrine.  It is my own thoughts, feelings, study and belief -- or at least the condition it was in, in 1999.  I encourage you to not take my word for anything, but to do your own study, pondering, and asking of God.]

Tags: Love Needs Mortality Healing Happiness Babies

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