There Will Be No Rent To Pay And Nobody Will Ever Put You Out Again!

TheDiscipleMD

Service to others was always a hallmark of the Savior. Thomas Monson told of an example of service that his grandfather displayed when he related the following story.  I remember listening to his talk and feeling that the essence of the gospel was best demonstrated by this story.

“My mother’s father, Grandfather Thomas Condie, also taught me a powerful lesson which involved this same Old Bob, who came into our lives in an interesting way. He was a widower in his 80s when the house in which he rented a room was to be demolished. I heard him tell my grandfather his plight as the three of us sat on the old front-porch swing of my grandfather. With a plaintive voice, he said to Grandfather, “Mr. Condie, I don’t know what to do. I have no family. I have no place to go. I have little money.” I wondered how Grandfather would answer.

We just kept rocking the swing. Then Grandfather reached into his pocket and took from it an old leather purse from which, in response to my hounding, he had produced many a penny or nickel for a special treat. This time he removed a key and handed it to Old Bob.

Tenderly he said, “Bob, here is the key to that house I own next door. Take it. Move your things in. Stay as long as you like. There will be no rent to pay and nobody will ever put you out again.”

Tears welled up in the eyes of Old Bob, coursed down his cheeks, then disappeared in his long, white beard. Grandfather’s eyes were also moist. I spoke no word, but that day my grandfather stood 10 feet tall. I was proud to bear his given name. Though I was but a boy, that lesson has had a powerful influence on my life.” (2-10-2007, WW Leadership Training Broadcast)

Often it is much easier for us to talk of service, than to be of service.

The words of King Benjamin come to mind:

“…behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)

Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

Comments are closed.

Designed by ThemePix