A feeding metaphor

This morning I was feeding Punkin oatmeal. She just turned two, by the way! So she has been feeding herself for a while. She still makes a mess when she eats certain things and oatmeal is one of them. I asked her if I could feed her and she said yes. I realized that it had been a while since I had spoon-fed her like this. Then while giving her delicious apple cinnamon oatmeal, that small inner voice said "When was the last time you spiritually fed her?"
I will guiltily admit that as I try to teach my children gospel principles throughout the day it's been forever since we've done Family Home Evening and really sat our children down to teach them about spiritual values and qualities.

I noticed a lot of similarities in the feeding process to the spiritual learning process.
As I scooped hot oatmeal I would blow on it before feeding it to little Punkin. She trusts me to feed her good food that isn't so hot that it will burn her. Nutritious food that will help her grow. If there are spills that happen I will clean her up and later when she feeds herself she will know how to clean up her own spills and messes. She will learn from me how to feed herself good and nutritious foods, and later to even cook and feed others.

All these things relate to spiritually feedings. Punkin trusts me to feed her the correct religious and Gospel principals that will help her in her life, and to teach her how to return to Christ after she has made mistakes. I will teach her to spiritually feed herself when she hungers and needs it, as well as how to share Christ's messages with others and teach her own children one day.

So, I have a new goal to really take the time to help them learn and feel the Spirit. I need to remember to be spiritually feeding them at least the same amount as I actually feed them physically.