Conquering Toll Roads

Today I had the wonderful joy of attending one of my best friend's farewells for his LDS Mission!  He lives close enough, his bishop is Danny Ainge, and food is involved, so naturally I was there!  

I am a terrible driver in the sense that I get lost and make every wrong turn imaginable.  Oh the stories I could tell you.  To save me from my direction disability my parents bought a GPS.  I found out early on that his (he has a dashing English accent) favorite phrase when I drive is "Recalculating."  I am looking into downloading the Darth Vader voice for my GPS... that would make getting lost an even more exciting adventure, especially coupled with the imperial march music (*alert, star wars nerd*).  My talent for taking a wrong turn can even vanquish the GPS!  Psh, computers will never be smarter than humans as long as I am driving!

I was fine until I saw a sign for a toll road.  First, I panicked.  TOLL ROAD?  But it is the Sabbath!!  I didn't think I would need money!! AH!  So I quickly veered and took the other road.  

But to my dismay this also lead to a toll.  I knew I had a dollar bill and some change so I said a quick prayer that it would be enough to allow me to pass through the fortress and onto the farewell.  I found the $1.25 and was on my way!

But what I didn't realize was that I was going the opposite direction... on a toll road no less.  Of course I didn't realize this until my English tour guide commanded me to take the next exit and then get on the highway again.  As I approached the second toll (which was really just the first toll but going the other direction) I started to panic!  What do they do to you if you don't have enough change in your car cup container to pass through!!!  Do they impound the car!  Will I be sentenced to a lifetime of toll collecting?  Should I just speed through the E-z pass lane and face the United States Government later in the day after I have been properly fed?  No, I knew I was going to be taking the sacrament later and it didn't seem right... not that I didn't seriously consider it. 

I frantically found 3 quarters, a dime, and a nickel.  I decided to just come clean and face the consequences.  As I pulled up I handed the man my change and explained how I had made a wrong turn.  He laughed (I was probably entertainingly stressed and sincerely penitent) then gave me a wink and said, "you sure you don't have a quarter for me darling?"  Right at that moment I looked into my wallet one last time and saw A QUARTER!!!  I still can not believe it, I had checked before I pulled up!  I squealed for joy and handed it to him as he laughed.  

Right after this I felt extremely blessed by the Lord.  Sure, I probably didn't need that last quarter (especially since he gave me a wink haha), but Heavenly Father supported me in my effort to attend my friend's farewell. This was a true miracle and an answer to my earlier prayer :D

I have a strong testimony in missionary service.  I know, through experience, that when we pray for an opportunity to share the gospel that He will help us if we faithfully obey and work hard.  I am SO thankful for my many friends who have chosen to focus two years of their life to serving the Lord and helping to spread the joy that comes with the Gospel.  I can not wait to join them and serve the Lord on a mission as well!  In a year and 4 months I can turn in my papers, but who is counting!?!  I love the Lord and know that Christ lives!


For more information about Latter Day Saint Missions, please click here. 

:D