What a year of preparation for this talk I have had! Oh my goodness I've have apparently needed refining. Two near life ending experiences have taken place. The last was only two months ago. Many nights I have spent uncomfortably lying in a hospital bed, searching and praying for the words to come that I might share. I pray the Lords blessing on us all that what I share maybe what he would have me say.
This campus is very important to me. I have spent close to half my life here employed, and prior to that this is where I came to meet my little sweetheart and Eternal companion, after serving the Lord as a missionary in Australia. I have worked side by side with good men and women as we have served the campus community. In addition to the full time men and women I have been blessed to have the association of great young men and women who go about the University delivering and keeping the wheels moving so that the Lord's work may continue.
I was amused last conference when Elder Ballard shared his meeting and determination to win over the heart of his future wife. When he said,"Somehow during those dates I was able to convince her that he was the only true and living returned missionary-at least as far as she was concerned." That is exactly how I felt with my little bride to be. It was a blind date for me, something which I had never done before, but turned out to be the best night of my dating experience. Of course, thankfully with the skills that I also learned in the mission field of contacting and committing people, a few months went by and the commitment was made. We became husband and wife in June of 1976, only nineteen days after the devastating flood that hit this area when the Teton Dam collapsed. Ours was a whirlwind romance to me, but I knew the moment I met her that she was truly the one that Heavenly Father had chosen for me. Now 38 years later with four children and four amazing spouses to them and seven grandchildren with one more due in February our joy continues to grow. We have been a fortunate couple who dearly love each other and we look forward to our years ahead.
Three and one half weeks of this summer I spent in the hospital. As I was under the care of angel nurses, many who were students or graduates from our University here and they were so caring and compassionate. They ministered to my medical needs at every opportunity. They took vitals, administered medication and watched ever so vigilantly over me night and day to be sure that I received the best they had to offer. I am here today because of their faithful service to me.
Daily serving the sick and afflicted. I wonder if they really know what that means to we who occupy those beds in uncomfortable situations and crisis.
I have thought of savior's role as the greatest mentor and minister ever to live, who gave the perfect example of how this should be done. He gave a parable to the people of how to minister:
"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
"And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
"And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
"And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
"And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
"And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." [1]
How can we serve? Just as the Savior said, "Go, and do thou likewise."
Daily we have opportunity to be of service. I think sometimes we think it must be something large or it doesn't count. I assure you that it does not take large things to be huge to the recipient of your kindness and compassion. It just takes you.... A look, a touch, a kind word. A smile to lift the clouds of discouragement for even just a vitally crucial moment in a day of need. We all, every one of us is our brother's keeper and we have the ability to help make a difference.
I think of the beautiful poignant description by Alma after he listened to a prophet's voice and felt he had to do something and so he did.
We read:
"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold here, are the waters of Mormon (for thus they were called) and now as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
"Yea and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places that ye may be in, even unto death, that ye may be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life--
"Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him that ye will serve him and keep his commandments that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"[2]
As you go about the University, what is your approach to those around you? Who is your brother or Sister? Aren't we all brothers and sisters in God's eyes? Yes we are!
I have loved associating with President Clark. His example of being kind and happy and smiling is infectious. He asked us to look people in the eyes at one of his many devotionals. To make the contact even if it was only to smile at each other. What a boost to each other this is! Look at each other right now and smile. DO IT! (Pause) Didn't and doesn't that feel good? We need to do more of that every day and it will make a difference!
How do you minister to the one?
I have had the blessed experience of associating with the most wonderful men and women the past eight years by being involved in Wood Badge. This is a Scouting program where Scout leaders throughout the Regional Council of the Boy Scouts of America come together for Leadership Training which helps them to develop goals and ideas. This training helps them return to their home units ready and willing to assist and bless the lives of the young men and women they are called to serve and associate with.
I have never associated with so many likeminded people who are helpful, friendly, courteous kind, and willingly ready to give of themselves in a way which is inspiring, not only to the boys, but to those they come in contact with. The staff of these many Wood Badge courses meet complete strangers and for six days teach, train, love, and mentor those in their charge so that they may return home lifted and loved and ready to serve others. There are many in this audience that have had this experience and by their smiling recognition and encouragement I know they remember and know just what I speak of to be true. Look around and you can tell who they are. They radiate a love and caring which is infectious and profound. I had the cherished experience of being the Course Director for the June 2013 Wood Badge Course here in this area. Forty five of the most amazing people attended as participants, one of which is my own little sweetheart. We shared, loved and grew together in an environment which is rich in kindness, charity and love. My staff of 20 people, complete strangers to all of these participants came together in an attitude of love and service which I know is inspired by The Lord above, and gave of themselves unconditionally! My life has been forever blessed by my association with these and the other Wood Badge Staff's that I have served with the past eight years. Literally hundreds of men and women have come together in this cause of the boy. The byproduct of this is their compassion and service to all mankind. I am forever changed by their service.
The last week of June, 2013 there was a kick off in our area for Boys by the church and many other areas are following the same pattern. It was called "Rise Up". It was a gathering of over 10,500 Scouts and leaders. Of course there were games, fun, food, and typical Scouting fair, but more than that there was challenge and encouragement not only for the Boys but leaders to Rise up and do their duty, not only now but for our lifetime and serve those who we come in contact with daily.
We were given the opportunity to earn the new and coveted Thomas S Monson award which I wear with pride and duty around my neck. The award is a promise and a reminder that we will serve and help not only the boys but all of our fellowman as well. I and two other men from our Ward were put under a charge by a dear friend, who is a Stake President in this area. He challenged us to do our duty and serve with love and dedication all the days of our lives and asked us as he looked us straight in the eye one by one, "will you do this?" And unanimously we said we will. That charge given and accepted was an opportunity and commitment to serve the rest of my days in so great a call. Literally thousands of leaders and boys accepted this charge and commitment to serve all those we come in contact with.
I remember years ago of a night when I was driving home from work in late October and the air was crisp and cold as it gets in this area during the Fall. One of the draws that make it wonderful to live and be here. As I drive home, I get into this mode of what will I have to do when I get home, and I wonder what will be for supper? I have animals to take care of and farming needs to complete, running through my mind. As I drove along musing over the next events of the night, I noticed walking south away from Rexburg and in my direction of travel, a young female co-ed. Now this is not unusual for this area, with joggers, bicyclist, and exercise enthusiasts. But tonight the Spirit told me that there seemed to be something a little amiss with this situation. I stopped across the road from her and asked, "Are you okay?" she didn't respond immediately and only walked on slowly looking at the ground. In my mind I knew that on this night I couldn't just drive on. As I continued to seek a response, I encouraged her to cross over to my side of the road and to at least get into my vehicle and warm up. I noticed she had no shoes on and she had no coat. This young co-ed was miles from the campus. At best even if she returned to town that moment she would be freezing before arriving home. In looking into her eyes finally, I saw hurt and sadness which melted my heart. I knew that tonight I would not leave this daughter of God on this road alone. She was on the driver's side of my car and was standing back away from my vehicle but at least close enough to talk. The steam from her breath was an indication of the temperature outside. I asked where she was from, what she was doing out in this remote area, where her roommates were and if I could give her a ride? Our conversation seemed like it was lasting for many uncomfortable minutes with me doing most of the talking. Picture a big guy in an older vehicle talking to a young woman, and encouraging her to get into my vehicle to go who knows where? I wasn't having a lot of success. I assured her I would take here where ever she needed to go, just get into my car and at least get out of the cold. She got closer to my vehicle and I know was analyzing just what kind of man I must be. Had she been told as a youth, "Don't talk with strangers?" And I will admit I am as strange as they get! I shared with her that I worked at the College and was in a campus Bishopric.
She said she needed to go south to an area which I knew was no place for her to be at that time of night. I said I'll take you there, just hop in. Reluctantly she finally got into my car. Noticeably she was appreciating the warmth of the heater and the fact that she was out of the cold. I drove toward her intended destination and continued to share with her all of the wonderfully redeeming qualities which I possess to help her feel safe. I shared with her the fact that I have four children, and there ages and that I am married and had been for many years. I shared everything I could think of to help her feel safe. I think I even shared some of my favorite Kindergarten memories.
When we arrived at the location she said she wanted to be dropped off at I stopped the car and asked, "Well, where you would like to go?" She again hesitated with her determination to get out. I was born in the night, but not last night. I knew with everything that was in me that my duty and my honor was to protect this young lady and help her in her hour of need. I would not leave her here!
I asked her what was wrong. What could I do to assist her? What would she like of me? How could I serve her? She sat quietly looking into her hands as she was rubbing them back and forth warming them up. I said, "You really don't want to be here tonight, do you? She reluctantly said no. I determined she was coming home with me, and when I asked her if that would be okay after a long pause; she said that would be fine. I assured her we would have a warm meal and she could meet my family and enjoy some family time with us. She agreed and off we went toward my home.
Now this seems a good story to this point, but now what was I going to do when I walk in the back door of my house look at my wife and proclaim, "Hi Honey I'm home, look what I found on the road.....can I keep her?" My dear bride, read my eyes, and knew of my pleading for help in assisting this young woman in her hour of need. My wife leapt to her side and enveloped her in the love of our family. I stood back and watched her minister and love this complete stranger into the fold of our family.
We fed her and talked with her and learned about her family and of what she liked and what was important to her. She met my youngest child who is a daughter, who was blond haired, blue eyed and about 1 1/2 years old at the time. This young woman had a sister who was 1 1/2 years old, blond haired and blue eyed and her name was also Meagan. She was missing her as well as the rest of the family and wanted so much to have a moment with her own sister, and God arranged for my little girl to fill the need.
We made contact with her roommates and they drove to our home hurriedly and thankfully. The concern they had in their eyes was notable. Where had she been and what would they do to find her? These are days before cell phones and texting, and to them she was lost! We invited them all in and talked and laughed and enjoyed an evening together. They got ready to leave and we hugged this young woman with all the love we could muster. We invited them to come again any time and we would have a bar-b-q and a meal soon.
We spent a lot of time with this dear little friend. She would come out on weekends, ride the horses have some home cooking, love our children as a big sister and still does. She has attended weddings, mission fare wells and every other activity that families share. We stayed in touch while she was serving a mission and then when she returned to finish her degree at BYU-Provo. We attended her wedding and have been accepted as adopted grandparents to her children, and have loved her and had her as a part of our family ever since that night. We have met her family and as a matter of interest her younger sister worked for me here on campus and is now serving a mission as well.
I do not know what the cause of our paths crossing was to this day, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that we were there for her and continue to be there loving her and ever thankful for her and her family.
There is more to the story that has so touched me with my recent illness. As I opened my groggy pain filled and discouraged eyes, who stood at my bedside but this sweet little girl that I had stopped to help many years ago. She heard there was a need and she came to my rescue. Quietly serving and helping me and my poor little oh so exhausted sweetheart, and then without fanfare left having ministered to us for days with no thought of re-numeration for her efforts. She may never know what she has come to mean with her family to our family! And to think those many years ago........."I could have driven on to my house and never made that lifetime connection!"
What is the take away for all of us today? I submit that there are those that need us. They are struggling and need our time, our touch, our look and our love.
As you walk around this amazing campus and enjoy the beauty and peace of the well cared for grounds and gardens and buildings, don't hesitate to look into the eyes of those who pass you by. It is said the eyes are the windows of the soul, and into those eyes you can make a difference in their world.
Please take time to love and show compassion and just "Smile!"
All of us are carrying burdens, every one of us. Can we not help each other? I submit we can and should! Every person, regardless of age or ability can and should make a difference in someone's life. We are impressed and inspired to do something, the real question is will we do it? We can and we must! And why would we do this? What is in it for me? How will this be of value to me in my life?
Consider:
"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
"Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
"When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee?
"Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."[3]
I think of the scripture which is so beautiful to me depicting the life of the Lords servants as they continued to minister and help those they came in contact with after the Saviors resurrection.
"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
"And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
"Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
"And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
"And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
"And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."[4]
I testify we can assist those around us and it doesn't cost us anything. Ours is just to do and the blessings will be forever! We can all make a difference; this is Gods kingdom on earth and it is up to each of us to be his ministers. He lives I know it!In the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Notes
[1] Luke 10:30-37
[2] Mosiah 18: 8-10
[3] Matthew 25:34-40
[4] Acts 3: 1-7