I don't think we've ever been to Abravanel Hall for an actual Utah Symphony performance, so I was looking forward to the evening. Brent said he was looking forward to being with me. (Is that sweet, or what? See, he wasn't as excited about a night of classical music as I was, but was willing to come just because he knew I'd enjoy it. - Well, he actually enjoyed it, too.)
Anyway, that isn't what this is about. I just wanted to share a thought with others about an idea for Christmas. Before the concert began, Brent and I took advantage of arriving a few minutes early and took a quick relief break. As I came out of the restroom, still shaking my hands to get the last bit of water off them, I spied Brent standing against the wall.
Next to President Dallin Oaks.
What happened next, I really can't explain. I guess it's just that we see our Church leaders so often, and listen to them and read their words of counsel, and, well, I wasn't even thinking. I just stuck my hand out to shake his - callouses, broken nails, water damp from washing my hands (at least they were clean, right?) and all. I did it without even thinking.
He looked a little startled and proceeded to introduce himself. "I'm Dallin Oaks," he said. Like I didn't know?
And then later, thinking it over, I realized he was just being so ever polite. Whenever I want to know someone else's name, I introduce myself. And I didn't even tell him who we were. Brent just nodded his head, yes, he knew he was Pres. Oaks, and kind of ushered me away just that fast. And I later felt bad I didn't even get a chance to tell him how much I learn from his counsel, and how much I appreciate his dedicated service, and ....
well, I blew it again.
This morning, I grabbed the May Conference edition of the Ensign, which I like to read while I'm exercising on the elliptical, and thumbed through to his talk. Curious. Because I couldn't remember what it was about. (We still don't have our November issue - we're always the last in the world to receive it.)
And this is my thought: His talk in April conference was about SERVICE. And as I re-read the talk, I realized what an appropriate time of the year, going into the holidays, to refresh my commitment to serve the Lord by serving others.
If you're interested in doing the same it can be found at Dallin H. Oaks, “Unselfish Service,” Ensign, May 2009, 93–96. (or at LDS.org)
Just a thought.
1 comment:
Holy Cow, all these posts that I've missed. My blog didn't show me that there were updated posts until today. I am all caught up now and glad to know it was just my computer that dropped the ball, and not you. Cute grandbabies, Go Heather, and I love your trick or treat story too. Good for you for shaking hands with Elder Oaks. I probably would have hid under a chair.
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