Continuing from a previous Posts by Richard G. Scott (deceased):
One summer, as a teenager, I worked on an oyster boat off the coast of Long Island in New York to earn funds for college. The other members of the crew were seasoned oystermen, hardened by the harsh winter environment in which they spent much of their lives battling the icy ocean and raw wind to secure their catch. I was an enigma among them, easier to distrust than to understand. They shunned me as a company spy, then as a crazy kid who didn’t know how to be a man. Later, I became better at my duties and tried to build friendships. They offered to make me a “real man” by joining them on their all-night indulgences. I thanked them but denied, and the tension grew more intense.
The summer weather was beautiful and the ocean magnificent. We engaged in relatively simple tasks. . . .
There was much time for contemplation. . . I read and pondered the content of the Book of Mormon. I cannot express the powerful awakening within me that came from those weeks of study under singular unusual circumstances. . . .
One night at dockside I retired early, since some of the crew planned unrighteous activity outside the boat. I was suddenly shaken into consciousness by the powerful hand of a deckmate, Toddy, a giant of a man. He was brandishing a hammer in my face, his breath reeled of alcohol. Stunned, I realized that there was no way that I could escape him. I thought I had come to the end of the road. Then I heard what he was shouting, “Scotty, get your fins and mask. There’s a man overboard and you can save him.”
That night I learned a lesson I have never forgotten. Publicly the crew members ridiculed me, but privately they respected me for my standards. The confidence that came from that knowledge let me quietly help three of them with some personal challenges..
A decisive correct choice made once and consistently kept thereafter will avoid much heartache. You then can use your energy in keeping your resolve rather than repeatedly wrestling with the same challenge. Also you will greatly reduce the possibility that you will be overcome by temptation.~~~Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. . .(deceased) . . . . from his book; “21 Principles, Divine Truths to Help You Live by the Spirit” Deseret Book , Salt Lake City.
