No matter the situation, someone’s need for service always comes at inopportune times.
Last Tuesday: perfect case in point.
I had more than a laundry list of things to accomplish, which included: working on a new business, fixing my motorcycle, getting packed for a trip, stopping by the doctor’s office and a date. I also needed to write a blog for Mormon Times, and had a bad case of writer’s block.
In short, my day was slammed.
That morning I must have summoned the “irony” gods, because my phone started ringing. Grandpa needed a little help with his computer.
OK, that shouldn’t take long; it’s probably nothing more than a mouse click or two.
But as I pulled into his driveway, a thought came to me. “I’m going to be here for a while.” However, I brushed that aside because of the countless times I’ve helped him before. This won’t take more than five minutes.
Boy, was I wrong. The universal law of entropy descended in a gray cloud until it engulfed the entire house. Every solution to each problem created a larger, more contagious, unpleasant result.
After two hours of banging my head against the computer, I successfully disconnected my grandfather’s Internet connection to the house … oops!
I reached the point of acquiescence, and accepted the fact I would be there a while. So, it was time to call the expert — my father. (Believe me, he does more than just sing.)
He and I went back and forth via the phone troubleshooting every problem; even called a few customer-service reps for additional help. And, my five minutes became five hours, quite literally.
Finally (either by stroke of genius, or just dumb luck) we got everything working. My grandfather was grateful for the help — even gave me a candy bar.
Unfortunately, my to-do list went unfinished for the day. However, I learned something: No matter how busy we may think we are, don’t forget to take a little time out of your day to help each other out.
Blessings come to those who serve. (Heck, helping my grandfather helped me … I got a blog topic to write about.)
For the record, I wouldn’t change the outcome of that day at all. I got to spend time with my grandfather. By the way: Happy 80th birthday, grandpa!