What was I going to do? I felt helpless to change what was happening. There I sat, six hundred miles from home in the little town of Crosby, North Dakota (population 1,300), twelve miles from the border of Canada, it was a place I had never been before. I didn’t know anyone. There was no one there I could really consider a friend (not yet). I had come up to North Dakota to drive water truck in the booming oil fields of the Bakken where fracking technology had created a demand for work. The water hauling truck I was driving was not being called by dispatch to work. If the truck didn’t move, I didn’t make money to provide for my family. I did all I could to make sure the truck was ready at a moment’s notice to roll. It was fueled, serviced, plus food and supplies in it for me. But nothing was happening. I read my scriptures often to strive to find peace and guidance when my heart was full of concern and uncertainty.
In my readings I came across two verses that I had read many times before. In this instance, they made an impression on my mind like never before. They are part of Alma’s teachings to the people in the land of Gideon, found in The Book of Mormon chapter seven of Alma. Verse 23 and 24 read, “And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.”
Those last five words, “always abound in good works,” made me stop immediately and ponder. I felt this distinct impression, “Get out of the truck and go to work serving someone whether you are paid or not.” I reasoned, “Serve who? I don’t know anyone.”…The answer, “Go find someone. Discover and make an opportunity.” So, I hopped in my car and started driving around this little town to see what I could find. Work opportunities didn’t just miraculously happen, but….well, let me put it this way, within two weeks some heaven-led events did happen. I helped unload a shipment for the local food bank. I got to know two of the ministers from different denominations in the area by their first names. I cleaned shelves at the local library. I did landscaping for a nursing home. I was given a few free meals for my volunteer work. I helped with some concrete work, and was paid more per hour than I ever made in my life even though I had volunteered to do the work for free. Three job offers were extended to me. One of which I accepted, and it changed the course of my life dramatically. The more complete story can be found in the chapter covering Levels 40 to 50 of my life. (The reason I use levels instead of age will be explained later.)
