Isn't it interesting how every once in awhile, we have an experience that takes us by surprise?
Most of the time for me, it is something that seems like it's "no big deal" to anyone else.
No one really stops to think, or even notice, that a simple every-day happening
could change your entire outlook on life.
For me, it was some car keys.
About two weeks ago, I haphhazardly locked my keys in my car again. Yes, again.
You'd think it wouldn't be a big deal, right? Just go grab your spiffy little set of spares.
Wrong-o.
I locked my spare set in there too.
From prior experience, I knew calling a locksmith would be wayyy out of my price range, so I was determined to try every last alternative before doing so.
I started with the good ol' fashioned hanger trick...
...didn't work so well.
I then shamefully attempted the tennis ball trick (Haven't heard of it? Look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNaSTipOYy8 ).
After two hours of unsuccessfully trying to break into my own car, I was flustered and ready to give up. I needed to take a breather, calm down a bit, so I went inside and hopped onto my facebook page. I decided to see if anyone had any other ideas for me (since my padre was out of town and couldn't help even if I DARED tell him). To my surprise, so many people responded and offered to help me! But there was one person who was particularly prominent. This is a person who I haven't seen, heard from, or even really though about in over a year. He lived in my old neighborhood and even when we lived there, we didn't really talk. He is extremely busy with school, work, and his lovely new wife, and yet his exact words to me were:
"What is your address? I'll be there in a sec."
I was astounded, grateful, and touched that someone who didn't even know me, a silly high school girl who stupidly locked both sets of keys into her car, would be willing to put his busy life on hold and come to my rescue. Not knowing what to think, I gave him my address and he was there within twenty minutes.
Now this guy is GOOD. If anyone can get into a car, it is him. He tried, and he tried, and he tried. The poor fella tried for another two extensive hours, and after we both realized it wasn't gonna happen, he went on his way.
After all of his time and effort, he didn't expect anything in return,
he didn't even want any dinner.
All he wanted was to show a little love, to give a little bit.
I called my mom, who was at Relief Society, to profess my capitulation. I was content because I knew we had given it our all. But of course, the other women heard about my predicament and they too, were determined to help.
All of the sudden, random cars started pulling up to my driveway. More and more came piling into the circle. Wanna make a stab at who these Heaven-sent gems might be?!
They were all the husbands of the Relief Society women
(What better way to welcome me in, right?!).
Almost more embarrassed than I had ever been (j/k embarrassing moments really are my forte), I didn't know how to react. Here were all of these people who, yet again, didn't really know me. But you know what?
They didn't care. They heard that someone needed help and wanted to give a little bit.
While everyone was prodding and prying at my door, my sweet bishop showed up. He too, is so busy with life! Besides raising his family and taking care of ward business every single night, he has two jobs! But here he was, ready to help me with something that was MY mistake in the first place. Being the generous and giving man he is, he called Triple A for us. He sat and hung out for awhile, played some ball with the twins, and made sure everything was okay till they got to our house. Eventually, they got there and....
Presto! The problem is solved!
But here's the true question: Was the locked door really the problem?
Lately I have been so focused on all of the silly/temporal things in life. My energy and attention have been absorbed into insignificant things like placing well at dance competitions, getting my daily work-out(s) in, or preventing that A- grade at all costs.
So let's be honest...
The real problem was me.
While it is important to constantly be doing our best in all aspects of our lives, it is more important to recognize what truly matters. Heavenly Father doesn't care whether or not I get first place at my comp, if I gain a pound or two, or even if I get an A- on my report card.
He loves us all no matter what. He cares that we're doing our best in life and are on the right path spiritiually. Ultimately, He cares that we serve His children, that we give just a little back to Him, in comparison to what He's blessed us with.
I am now back on track and can hopefully focus more on what really matters in life.
May we all remember to just "give a little bit" each day because that is what will truly make us happy. It just took some keys and a whole lot of wonderful people to help me remember that! ;)
