Dominoes

I am sure that you have all heard the dominoes theory many time; Once decision sets of a chain of events that leave you asking yourself, "How did I end up across town on a bus sitting next to the B.O. guy? I was going to the supermarket."

I had one of those weeks and I thought it was fun enough to write about. If you disagree, too bad. This is my blog and I have all power to write about whatever I want.

I guess it's only fair to say it started when I decided to move to Dallas. But most recently... I have built a really close relatinoship with the missionaries in my word over the past few months. They know they can call on me and I will do everything I can to help with whatever they need.

Last Saturday was my last day for out two week in-town show. I probably got home around 8 o'clock and was exhausted. My new work schedule has me away from home every weekend for the next four months, so I knew that this would be my last Sunday at my home word for quite some time and I wanted to make certain I did not over sleep (9am block). Nonetheless, I still had a lot to get done and I ended up staying up 'til 2am when I forced myself to go to bed.

That morning, I was thankfully awaken by the missionaries calling on my cell phone. It turned out to be a Abraham and Isaac type phone call - "Jeff, can you...? Wait. My companion just told me it's not necessary anymore." But I was still running late. I went to hop in the shower when I notice the clock; 8:38am with a fifteen minute drive to church. By the time I started my car the clock read 8:57. I was determined not to miss the sacrament and was hoping that if I drove fast enough, hit all the lights green and there was a lot of word business, I might make it.

At 9:00am sharp, I was passing my old word building, just as half of my word does on their way to our new building (I love redistricting). "Forget this. I'll just hop in real quick for the sacrament and pop back out." While sitting there, I was having flash backs of giving a youth talk one Sunday as a Teacher. I remember trying not to look at my Scout Master and his wife who were looking right at the entire time with these huge smiles. They always sat in the same place; center section, three rows back, far left side of the pew... Wait!!! They're still there! Just then, Bro. Packard looks back and makes eye contact.

I stayed the whole meeting (15min over) so we could catch up after. Apparently, they are now involved with the YSA ward and 'encouraged' me to attend (I have honestly been happy with my family word). I gave it a courtious thought and pushed it from my mind as I went to me real ward. I was upset that I missed Sunday school because I put a lot of time into preparing for it that week, but priesthood was not a disapointment.

Bro. Parckards "encouragement" kept creeping up through the day. My final ratinoale was that I do need to lead a bit of my own life and not hermit myself to work and studies, and I still really wanted to go to gospel doctrine. Besides, this would be my last chance until May to make a stratigic "here to today, gone tomorrow" apparance.

I felt extremely comfortable at the YSA ward (well, aside from sitting next to Sister Text in sacrament meeting and the dozen plus continuous conversations during Gospel Doctrine). During announcments, I found out that Institute was beginning Tuesday and Wednesday and Monday night FHE was going to be at the ward building. Between theses events and planning to go to Austin, my 6 day weekend filled up really quickly. With all the activities, I ran into a few old friends and made several new friends. And it all started because the missionaries knew they could count on me that Sunday morning when they fortuitously called me for help at just the right time.

Dominoes...