PRINTERS AND PROCEDURES

This morning I needed to print the schedule for "assignments due" in my science class. We have a very nice, and large printer that we enjoy using - so large it lives in the spare room. I use it often and seldom have trouble with it, only occasionally needing to change an ink cartridge.

Accordingly I took the laptop I am using into the spare room, activated the printer from sleep mode, and attempted to print my schedule. After 3 futile tries I was not only frustrated but a bit puzzled.

After the first try I made sure I had selected the correct printer. We have several options. Check! The correct one was selected in the system tray.

I checked for paper. Check!
I checked ink levels. Check!
Doors and drawers closed. Check!

Hmmm . . .

I pushed scan - Check!!
The printer promptly spit out a blank.
Thanks! now how about my schedule?

No chance! Grrr . . . Sigh!

I tried once more, walked away, got a drink,
and returned to an empty tray.

Oh well, I thought, time for a repair - perhaps.

I reached to unplug the printer,
and felt very foolish.

It wasn't plugged into the laptop!
Duh! Double DUH!!
I wasn't connected to the printer.

Printer worked fine - as soon as I plugged into it.
And I have my schedule.
And a red face.

I am left wondering, though, how many times we have glitches or life problems where we haven't followed a simple proscribed procedure - as simple as inserting the printer plug into the laptop and being properly connected.

Prophets guide us about being connected.
Are we plugged in?
Are we connecting?

Here is an example.

Elder Jeffery R. Holland describes 'Living After the Manner of Happiness'. This is a life changing 32 minutes. We are instructed by an apostle of the Lord - not to mention that he quotes 6 famous people about happiness, and Lynn G Robbins who should be famous for his recipe for [family] disaster!

"Put tempers on medium heat, stir in a few choice words, and bring to a boil; continue stirring until thick; cool off; let feelings chill for several days; serve cold; lots of leftovers."

I looked up the quote by Elder Robbins. 
He spoke in April 1998, General Conference.

I am left ashamed that I have ever been guilty in any way, EVER, of what is described in Robbin's 7 1/2 minute talk. 

Yet I have "expected" happiness.

Like my schedule it often eludes me.

As important as words from the likes of  Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Mother Teresa are, how important are God's words?

How important are the scriptures? 

How important are the commandments?

How important are living prophets?

These things are vital!  

And we can plug in anytime we choose.

What do I want?

What is my heart's desire?

What procedure have I overlooked?

GIFTS

The most precious gift my father ever gave to me 

is the ability to read well and the desire to read 

… most specifically the scriptures. 

One of my earliest and fondest memories is of my father reading bible stories to us children - all piled on his lap and grouped around him snuggled up, all together.  He made the stories alive and wonderful as he read and I can remember him helping me learn to read those same stories (with much help and encouragement from my mother too, of course) when I began 1^st grade at age 5.  I read all 10 books that year. [The Bible Story by Arthur Maxwell with pretty blue covers and lovely pictures to look at]

I could always ask my Father's guidance and direction, opinion or help not only about reading, but always about anything at all.  I knew it. I still can - and do.

That is a significant gift that stands out on its own merits - having a loving father I could trust and rely on to be gentle and patient - he modeled the very things he wanted me to know about our Father in Heaven.

He could be trusted to tell it real and straight and kindly. When dad talked I knew he spoke truth. He has always had an uncanny ability to convince people of whatever he is trying to tell them.  

He often expressed disgust at salesmen that could say things just to sell something.

When he talked, you knew he was sincere. If he decided to sell you something or convince you of a principle usually you listened and seldom did you finish without agreeing … even when people really were contrary he could work with them.  From him I learned love and acceptance for all good - people, animals, things, places, events, plants, abilities - everything, all good - and to seek it. 

A scripture comes to mind -

“… by their fruits ye shall know them.”  Matthew 7:20 ; 3 Nephi 14:20