Fast Offerings

I remember that Dad was really excited when I turned twelve because I would finally be a deacon.  He loved to take me to the priesthood meetings and was really excited when I could finally sit with him in priesthood opening exercises.  When I turned twelve I could also start collecting fast offerings.  I would pick up the blue envelopes for my route every fast Sunday and Dad would drive me around to all of the houses.  One time I got the route that included our neighborhood.  I was a little nervous because it turned out that some of our neighbors that I knew had at one time been active members of the church.  Even our next door neighbor was a member.  As we walked around the neighborhood I was surprised at how willing everybody was to talk to us and to make donations.  I remember one time I had a route that included a house by Jurupa Valley High School.  The family at the house was very inactive and didn't seem to happy to have us stop by.  I don't remember how it happened, but we ended up in their house.  We stayed there for about an hour as Dad talked to them about the gospel.  It felt very much like we were missionaries teaching a discussion.  All we were supposed to do was collect fast offerings, but Dad took the opportunity to help strengthen the family by teaching the gospel.  Going around to collect fast offerings with Dad was excellent preparation for my mission as it allowed me to get practice knocking on doors and talking to people who sometimes weren't very excited to see people from the church.  Dad was always encouraging and helped me to have a good time as I fulfilled my priesthood responsibility.  Some of the times that I have felt Dad the nearest is when my younger brothers or I are progressing in the priesthood and participating in priesthood meetings.  I know that these are important steps in our lives that Dad cares a lot about and wants to be a part of.