Filling in the Gaps

Let’s face it, life is busy. There is so much to do and only so many hours in a day to do them. Add on to this our leap in technology that has produced tablets and smart phones and we fill every moment of our lives with something. Our lives are like a mason jar filled with rocks with only the smallest of gaps.

It is not a new analogy to discuss filling up our life jars with rocks and then filling in the gaps with sand. However, I want to discuss ways to fill those gaps, or at least do my best to. The rocks in our jars should be the most important things we need to accomplish. For instance, one needs to work to earn money, therefore working is a big rock in the jar. One also has responsibilities at home, another big rock. God has asked us to spend time each day with him, add another rock to the jar.

The list goes on, but as you can see, there are gaps in our jars. The rocks don’t take up all the space. What can we do to fill those gaps? How can we prioritize what we put in those spaces around our rocks?

In the October 2024 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bishop L. Todd Budge gives us some answers to these questions. In his address, “Seek Him with All Your Heart“, he states, “The Lord knew–in this fast-paced world full of distractions and in commotion–that making quality time for Him would be one of the major challenges of our day. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, . . . ‘In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength’.”

What does it mean to return to rest? What is the quietness and confidence that will be our strength?

To me, it means filling the gaps in my day with thoughts and actions that bring me closer to God. Some easy answers exist, like saying a prayer, reading a scripture, posting a spiritual thought on social media. However, I believe that there are other things we can do.

As I have thought about how to fill the gaps, one thing that has happened to me and I’ve nourished is having a “good song” in my head. Whenever I have a few minutes, and have a chance to calm/quiet my mind, a song will play in my head. Lately, it has been the song for the Youth Theme, “Look Unto Christ” that plays. The chorus goes:

Look unto Christ, He will heal your soul and bring you back to life. Look, show Him your faith. Give Him all your doubts, and you’ll find His strength. Look unto Christ.

These words turn my focus to Christ and they give me strength. It is one way I can fill a gap in my jar.

Another way I have filled a gap in my jar is through taking a couple of minutes to listen to an uplifting podcast. There are two that I’m listening to regularly. The first is “The Ancient Tradition.” This podcast discusses the similarities of the world’s religions in antiquity. It has been a fascinating listen and has helped remind me that God created all men and gave unto Adam the fulness of the gospel.

The second podcast is “Church History Matters.” This podcast discusses important aspects of church history and doesn’t avoid the controversies. In 2025, they are also tackling the “Come, Follow Me” curriculum for the Doctrine and Covenants. They are doing this by giving listeners the context, content, and controversies for each section. Scott and Casey are relatable to me and aren’t “talking down” to their audience, which sometimes happens with experts.

Those are a few examples of how I fill in the gaps in my jar. They help me to draw closer to God when I have a break.

Bishop Budge states, “[God] yearns for us to commune with Him. . . . As much as He desires our attention, He will not force us to come to Him.” Basically, Bishop Budge is telling us that it is up to us to reach out to God and give Him our attention. We can do this by filling the gaps in our jars with uplifting experiences.

Finally, I want to point out one other area where gaps are filled. The Holy Ghost is our companion. He is there to help us. When we have a moment, it would behoove us to listen for His guidance. I’ve mentioned before about how when I’m driving there are times where I get a nudge to go a different route. That nudge is from the Holy Ghost. What would happen if I took the time in one of my gaps to just listen for the Holy Ghost’s whisperings? I bet that I would be guided to do something good. I am starting to practice this and I hope it brings me closer to God.

Bishop Budge ends his address with these words, “The Lord promised: ‘Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me.‘ [Doctrine and Covenants 88:63] ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.‘ [Jeremiah 29:13]” When we fill the gaps in our jars with sand that draws us closer to God, we will find Him. We will draw closer to Him. We will find His strength. That strength will help us be more at peace in this chaotic world.