I have a problem; I love things of speed. I love fast horses, fast cars, and fast airplanes, in fact I have often wondered if Psalm 20:7 was written just for me, to remind me to keep my priorities in line. In case you are wondering Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots, some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”
One day a few years ago, Juleen and I were attending the car show that some folks in our Stake arrange each year (just a side note - we have some amazing cars that reside in our Stake). While we were admiring some of the cars, I noticed a familiar figure standing next to a brand new beautiful convertible. It was our old family friend Elder Robert E. Wells! Elder Wells is perhaps one of the few people on earth that loves fast things as much or more than I do. We approached him and asked how he came to be at our little neighborhood show. He explained that he had heard about it from some folks at the office and felt that he should attend. After showing us his latest and in his words, “last new car I promise,” we began to reminisce about some adventures – mostly his and my fathers. As is always the case with me – especially with Elder Wells – the talk soon turned to airplanes and flying. He told of flying with my father to many conferences and meetings. He told of his many flying adventures all around South America while he was there in his professional life.
One of his favorite aircraft was the Cessna 320, a speedy twin engine propeller driven
aircraft very popular in that time period. Over the many years and countless flights he amassed many hundreds of hours flying that airplane and became a true master of the art of flight. After returning to the United States and being called as a General Authority, he
craved the liberty and freedom to fly himself to fulfill his many responsibilities. A friend gave him access to a Cessna 320, the same type of aircraft he flew in South America. The only problem was all of his time flying down south did not count towards currency or a rating in that aircraft here in the U.S., so he would need to pass a check ride and be rated to fly that type of airplane. He contacted an examiner and set an appointment for his check ride. The examiner showed on the appointed day and before they could even get into the aircraft he began a total and complete verbal testing of Elder Wells about every obscure fact and feature of the 320. After completion of this exhaustive testing Elder Wells explained to the examiner “I have flown this type of aircraft for years, here are my logbooks showing all the hundreds of hours as pilot in command, I know this airplane, I know how to fly it, I just
need you to sign me off so I can.” The examiner gave him a stern look and said “let’s go fly.” They climbed into the airplane and Elder Wells underwent what he called the most difficult, in-depth, intense training and testing he had ever suffered through – the examiner repeatedly simulated failure of different systems, covered instruments as if they had failed, and would pull the power on one engine at the most inopportune moments. As all this was happening Elder Wells again said to the examiner, “Look, I am obviously very comfortable with this airplane, why are you doing all this?” At that point the examiner turned to him and said “Bob, you and I both know you can fly this plane better than I can when everything is working and going great. It is my job to make sure that you know you can fly even when things aren’t working and everything seems to be going wrong.” At this point in the narrative Elder Wells stopped and looked at me and said, “Eric, I think it is the same with our Heavenly Father. He and we know we can do and say and be what we should when things are going well, but you need to know how good you can be when things are going wrong and the world seems against you. That is the true test.”
I am not proud to say that my behavior has not always been a shining example when things have gone south. But I am trying to improve, and I believe I am getting better. This I think should be our goal and our desire; to be good even when things aren’t. I also know that the Lord sends his servants where they are most needed and into environments that will allow people to hear his message, even if it is a car show celebrating speed and power!
Love you all,
Eric Bell
See the full PDF of Grapevine here. Listen to sacrament meeting audio here.
One day a few years ago, Juleen and I were attending the car show that some folks in our Stake arrange each year (just a side note - we have some amazing cars that reside in our Stake). While we were admiring some of the cars, I noticed a familiar figure standing next to a brand new beautiful convertible. It was our old family friend Elder Robert E. Wells! Elder Wells is perhaps one of the few people on earth that loves fast things as much or more than I do. We approached him and asked how he came to be at our little neighborhood show. He explained that he had heard about it from some folks at the office and felt that he should attend. After showing us his latest and in his words, “last new car I promise,” we began to reminisce about some adventures – mostly his and my fathers. As is always the case with me – especially with Elder Wells – the talk soon turned to airplanes and flying. He told of flying with my father to many conferences and meetings. He told of his many flying adventures all around South America while he was there in his professional life.
One of his favorite aircraft was the Cessna 320, a speedy twin engine propeller driven
I am not proud to say that my behavior has not always been a shining example when things have gone south. But I am trying to improve, and I believe I am getting better. This I think should be our goal and our desire; to be good even when things aren’t. I also know that the Lord sends his servants where they are most needed and into environments that will allow people to hear his message, even if it is a car show celebrating speed and power!
Love you all,
Eric Bell
See the full PDF of Grapevine here. Listen to sacrament meeting audio here.
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