The Key

 The other day I had the “grand master” key from the office so I could do some work in the concession stands and get into several locations.

This key will open absolutely every door and gate at our school, so obviously requires extra vigilance and security.  

At the end of the night I started to leave for home but then realized I still had the key in my pocket.

I turned around and went back to the front door to take it back into the office.  

The front door was locked so I waited outside in the intermittent rain and pounded on the door for several minutes before I got someone’s attention and they let me inside.

I expressed my gratitude and headed straight for the front desk and gave the key to the secretary.

She took one look at my damp hair and started to laugh. 

“You had the master key in your hand.”

I joined her in a bit of self-deprecating but good natured laughter.

The literal key to my problem had been in my hand! 

In my over zealous focus to complete my mission, I had forgotten that.

I wonder how often my prayers are more like a pounding on the doors of heaven demanding someone come and let me in, while I forget that He has given me so many keys and skills and knowledge through his instructions and teachings.  

“We will all face trials and have questions, but remember that we must be “continually holding fast to the rod of iron.” “The words of Christ will tell [us] all things what [we] should do.”  We must make scripture study a daily part of our lives, as this will open doors of revelation. (Elder James B Martino).  

And once we have that revelation the key is to actually use it, not just pound on the door!