More Learning...

I had an interesting experience this week that, on reflection, helped me to learn from the young elders. As a little background, several times over the last couple of weeks, a young man has showed up at the church with his 2-3 year old son looking for a bishop. He always came during the day on a weekday, and of course no local leadership was in the building.  When I asked about him going to church to catch the bishop, he said he couldn't because his son was asleep (his ward meets at 0900) and 'needed his sleep and proper nutrition'.  I have to admit, my ex-bishop antenna was telling me he needed money and/or other help, but that he wasn't willing to make the sacrifice to attend church and see the bishop there, and unfortunately my cynicism kept me from doing anything other than reiterating that he needed to go to church and catch the bishop. (He said he didn't have a cell phone or a home phone.) He mentioned that he worked a lot of hours and double shifts in 'the nursing field', and was taking care of his son on his own.  As often happens, his story didn't seem to hold together very well (if he works so many hours, why is he in such need of immediate help?), and I must admit, that made me even less inclined to go out of my way to help.

On Thursday this week, the local elders called asking me if I would help the same brother. He had run into them on the streets and told him his story, and they recognized him from church. This time, just because the elders asked, I thought harder about how I could help this young brother. I went to the office and got him the bishop's phone number, then he asked if he could call from the office. That didn't work (cost $, long distance cell phone), so I loaned him my cell phone and settled him in a private place where he could leave a message for the bishop. He actually reached the bishop, talked to him for 15 or 20 minutes, and came back into the office much relieved, with a plan to go to church and meet with the bishop on Sunday. He was so thankful for my help(!) and on my part I felt horrible knowing that I could have done the same thing the week previous, instead of putting him off and washing my hands of the whole situation!  The difference was that this time, because of the elders and their more Christ-like attitude, I really tried to do what the Savior would do, rather than listen to my cynicism! I don't know how it will all work out, but just getting it into the hands of the person with the proper keys and stewardship made it much better for both me and Joshua (the young man)!  These young elders and sisters want to help and serve people, and I'm thankful to be here where I can associate and learn from them!! Old dogs can learn (or be reminded of) new tricks. It's a blessing to serve (even though I sometimes fall short)!