I love many of the hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sometimes, since I drive by myself, I will play a certain favorite hymn over and over. Sometimes the hymn that I will play is How Great Thou Art. Another one I like to play is Abide With Me. It just depends on my mood.
A few months ago, back in September, I was trying in my pathetic way to be better. I was struggling with some things and trying to do my best to be better and more honorable in keeping the commandments. I would play "How Gentle God's Commands" during my commute. (I live 19.3 miles from my workplace). So I know it sounds warped but for several days, I played this hymn during part of my commute.
How Gentle God's Commands, Hymns 125
How gentle God's commands! How kind his precepts are! Come cast your burdens on the Lord and trust his constant care.
Beneath his watchful eye, His Saints securely dwell; That hand which bears all nature up Shall guard his children well.
Why should this anxious load Press down your weary mind? Haste to your Heav'nly Father's throne And sweet refreshment find.
His goodness stands approved, Unchanged from day to day; I'll drop my burden at his feet And bear a song away.
Well back in September, on my monthly Saturday to work, I played that hymn as I was driving home. It had been a difficult Saturday. My mind was wandering. I thought of what I'd eat for dinner. I thought of what I'd make for the single adult FHE we had the next day. I thought of the next day's Primary lesson. Also on that day, I thought of a patient who had been treated in such a way by his spouse that I would have to write a reportto document the incident. I felt sad for this gentlemen, and I thought of how I planned to go back to work the next day to do that report. (I had been too tired that day to complete it, shame on me). And I tried to plan how and when I was going to do things. So my mind was on these things. Meanwhile, as I drove, "How Gentle God's Commands" played on the CD player.
Then in my rearview mirror, I saw flashing lights, there was a police car! For a second I thought he was signaling me, then the lights went off. Good, for how ironic that would have been to get a ticket while playing "How Gentle God's Commands". Then the lights flashed again. And I had to stop. And I got the second speeding ticket of my life.
I felt bad, but it ended up being a good learning experience.
How awful it would have been if I 'd caused an accident during my episode of distracted driving. The ticket had an area where the officer could check off if a fatality had occurred. Yikes, I wish to go through life without killing anyone. And I felt like maybe I shouldn't be driving other people's kids to Primary events.
Anyway, I deserved the ticket. And I paid nearly $100 to learn the importance of keeping the commandments in your heart, not just listen to a song about them on the CD player.
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