Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Lately, my scriptures have taken on a new life.  To read about that little adventure, click here and here.  I’ve recommitted myself to reading my scriptures every day and it has made a huge difference in my life.  A few weeks ago, I read the following scripture:

2 Nephi 28:7

Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

I’ve heard this scripture my entire life and always felt it pertained to people with addictions; maybe an alcoholic who drank every day, but suddenly, this scripture touched my heart.  It has become my new mission statement.

Here’s what it means to me.

I live a busy life.  I eat on the run.  I rush through meaningful tasks.  I hurry my kids out the door, than back in the door.  Rush to dinner, rush to bed, hurry and wake up and so. 

It all seems so . . . rushed!

And I go days without really seeing my life.

This scripture seemed to open my eyes to the idea that life isn’t just about getting things done.  I need to reflect more on the little things, focus on healthy eating habits because day after day after day, they matter. 

I need to reflect on daily service, prayer and forgiveness.  These attributes put me in the now. 

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die is the attitude of someone who doesn’t look strangers in the eye, who doesn’t take time to smile or take time out of their day to do something nice for someone else.  It is an attitude that it’s all for me and I’m only here to get what I want.

The irony of this scripture is that this is what the world wants us to believe.  In reality, the message is:
Live life to its fullest, enjoy every experience because it is for your benefit and find joy in life, because life is eternal and your choices have consequences.  Ultimately, live like Christ.

It’s interesting, because this scripture runs around in my mind every time I eat.  It has helped me make better eating choices.  I’m starting to understand every bite I eat should be thought out.  I want to live a healthy long life for my children and my future grandchildren and those choices start now.

Interesting, but I think this scripture helped me mature a bit (really a lot) because I know each day is accounted for with God and I need to prayerfully live each day for Him.