My father was one of those men who had church leadership all but tattooed on his forehead. He was nearly always in some sort of leadership position.

In this instance, he was serving as an executive secretary or a clerk of some sort. I was very young when this incident took place and I don’t remember exactly.

Most callings could only be performed at the meetinghouse because everything was hardcopy. He often took us kids along and I remember playing in the halls of the church and outside his office while he worked.

On this particular day, he needed some forms or paperwork of some sort. The task he had was time-sensitive and critical. However, the cabinet containing the paperwork and forms was locked. I don’t remember why he didn’t have a key at that time.

His task had to be done. There was no ambiguity about its importance. He called other ward leaders looking for the keys. In fact, he spent considerable time doing this.

Another brother came to the church to help him but he didn’t have keys either. He and my father brain-stormed on who to call and how to get a hold of them.

Finally, after considerable time, all possibilities came to an end. The keys were not to be had and there was no possible way of obtaining them inside the narrow time frame my father had.

By this time, the problem had my full attention and my eyes were riveted on my father and how he was going to solve it.

He said something like, “Okay, well, that is final.”

He took his pocketknife, which he always carried, out of his pocket and addressed us kids. He said, “You didn’t see me do this" which of course cemented the experience in our minds.

Using his knife, he manipulated the hinges on the cabinet doors. They immediately popped open. He retrieved the necessary forms and paperwork and completed his task.

I know there is a lesson somewhere in this story. I just can't figure out what it is ...
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