8 June 2008
It’s the Sabbath. Found my way to church meetings. I enjoyed the fellowship of about 15 other brethren, some Canadian, Marines, Navy and one Dept. of the Army Civilian.
The civilian (gentleman well over 50, struggling with speech) spoke during Sacrament meeting about choices. Related the story of David and Bathsheba and his progression from one poor choice to another. It began in 2 Samuel 11:1, not being where you should be, when you should be (it was time for kings to be in battle, but David tarried in Jerusalem), then to not simply noticing, but enquiring after Bathsheba, followed by the tragic choices that led to his demise. The parallels to situations ‘geographical bachelors’ over here can easily find themselves in was glaring. I walked away thinking that it was a very good lesson- for those who need it. I was confident in the stoic discipline I have developed over the years. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I knew I was walking a dangerous line. I had better watch myself. As Ashli pointed out in a correspondence with Dad a long time ago… “I know that I am not immune to deception.” (Don’t know why that stuck with me all these years…)