I started to leave a post about my goals for 2009, but I felt overwhelmingly prompted to leave the following post. One of my goals for 2009 is to give away two Books of Mormon a month. I know it will be a challenge, but I know it will bless the lives of many people, including my own. I gave one away last week and it was a wonderful experience, but I was so nervous. Why is it so hard to do? I served a mission, for Pete's sake! Why was it so easy then, but so hard now? I've had a Book of Mormon with me at work, and I've been meaning to give it away for quite some time. Last Tuesday was my last workday of 2008. By the time I finished writing my last opinion, it was after 10:00 PM; I was mentally exhausted. As I was grabbing my belongings, I saw the book on my shelf and instantly knew that I was supposed to give it to the late-shift shuttle driver (we have to take a shuttle from the courthouse to our parking garage that is 6 blocks away). The shuttle driver for the late shift is quite mean-looking and very grumpy; he's also a giant - very intimidating. He NEVER talks to people and always acts so annoyed when people ask him questions. I was scared to death. When I got outside at the pick-up point, there was no shuttle. I had to walk the 6 blocks to my car. If you're unfamiliar with the walk from 2nd Avenue and Jefferson to 6th Ave and Jackson, it's quite an educational excursion. You WILL be approached by someone, as the area is replete with homeless and miscreants. Making that walk at night is insane. So, I ran the entire 6 blocks, in the middle of the street. Can I run 6 blocks without stopping? Normally, no. However, I can when I'm going from 2nd Avenue & Jefferson to 6th Ave & Jackson at 10:00 PM. Just as I got outside the parking garage, I saw the shuttle pull up. I started to chicken out. I was going to look stupid knocking on the shuttle door and handing him the book.
I prayed for courage, as this was scarier than the neighborhood. Courage arrived immediately - the Holy Ghost. I walked over and tapped on the door. He opened the door and gave me a less-than-inviting look. I introduced myself and told him that I was a member of the church and that I really felt inspired to give him the book. Instantly, his demeanor changed from gruff to gentle. He held the Book of Mormon very delicately and respectfully, as if he knew the pages contained a hallowed message. "I've never owned a Book of Mormon," he said, in a very soft voice, turning the pages ever so attentively with his Goliath-sized fingers. Straight away, as prompted by the Spirit, I bore him my testimony that it was written by prophets living in the ancient Americas, that Christ visited these people, and that it was a companion to the Holy Bible. I pointed to the chapters in 3 Nephi that dealt with Christ's visit and gave him contact information to summon missionaries if he was interested. He gave me a genuine and hearty "Thank you. Merry Christmas," as we said good night. Once inside the elevator, I prayed and thanked Heavenly Father for making that such a positive experience. As I did so, an image came to my mind: the shuttle driver was dressed in white, and my hand rested upon his shoulder to congratulate and welcome him. We were smiling. This image gave me the chills.
I reserve experiences like this for my journal. However, as I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I felt prompted to share it. Family and friends: please oblige me for a few seconds and do this little exercise. Here goes. Completely clear your mind and remove all distractions (kids, TV, etc.). Make sure that your relaxed and that it's quiet around you. Ready? Say a quick prayer and ask Heavenly Father the following question:
With whom should I share the gospel?
The name or image of the person who came to your mind needs you to share the gospel with them. Do it! The Holy Ghost put that name/image in your thoughts - he will help you approach them and tell you what to say. You will be blessed for your faith. Pray for courage, then do it! I'm so thankful for the Brost family in Alaska. I'm thankful that they had the courage to invite a long-haired inactive kid to their branch, despite being told "NO!" numerous times. It changed my life and will bless my posterity forever.
