Unexpected Inspiration

Today as I came into work my other 2 coworkers left leaving me alone for the next hour, which is sometimes preferable because it’s nice and quiet and good to have some alone time once in a while. Anyway when I got here there was only one tester in the room (it’s pretty slow this time of year). I noticed he was older but couldn’t really tell how old. When he was done he came out and I figured he was probably in his 70’s and he had oxygen with him-like Laura had. I always feel sympathy for those who have that since I saw what it was like for Laura and the effort it takes to haul it around with you everywhere.
Anyway the guy got done and we somehow got on the subject of why he was in school at his age. He told me when he was college age he’d taken some college but b/c of circumstances he wasn’t able to graduate but had gone on to be successful and had learned what he needed to in his field. A few years ago he was listening to a BYU devotional where Pres. Hinckley was speaking about education. Of course Pres. Hinckley talked about how you’re never too old to pursue learning and education. The guy told me that this talk along with a prayer by his wife to follow the counsel of the prophet (she gave this the morning after the devotional) convinced him that he needed to finish his education. So he’s now doing Independent Study courses to finish. I asked him how long he had to go and he laughed and said, Oh I haven’t a clue how long until I’m done. He said he has a sick wife to care for so he does the laundry, housework, and grocery shopping so he only takes 1 or 2 classes at a time. So he said he would go until he’s done if he lives that long.
I was impressed with his efforts to follow the prophet’s counsel to continue learning. Obviously at his age with his circumstances he could easily justify not having the time or energy to finish what he started. He may even be justified in his reasons for not finishing college in the first place. There are many reasons why he” shouldn’t feel” he has to finish, not to mention his age and his own health issues and yet here he is doing it on his own. Independent Study no less! It made me realize that there will always be plenty of excuses not to do something that the Lord has asked us to do perhaps through a prophet, church leader, or by personal revelation but by doing those things we will be blessed and we will be happy.
I’m sure that guy had no idea the inspiration he would bring by coming in to take a test but I couldn’t help but be grateful for his example today. Very inspiring and motivating! Just thought I would share.