Reading versus Drinking

"When one is thirsty, one quenches one’s thirst by drinking, not by reading books which treat of this condition."
— Abandonment to Divine Providence

When I first read this, I chuckled. It’s so true.

I think of a little kid who really has to use the bathroom but can’t handle the sound of running water. Reading about thirst—or water—won’t help when what you need is a drink!

Sometimes, thinking about something isn’t enough. Learning isn’t enough. There comes a point when we have to act.

We don’t learn to hit a baseball by reading about it—we step up to the plate and swing. We don’t grow in faith just by studying it—we live it.

When God calls, it’s not enough to understand. We have to respond.