“My Mind Was Flooded with Ideas,” Ensign, June 1993, 32–33
My Mind Was Flooded with Ideas
In 1963, I had been a member of the Church for just a short time, but I had a strong testimony and was excited to devote myself to the Lord, share my testimony with others, and grow in my gospel knowledge. Unfortunately, I had to work long hours as a baker to provide my family with the necessities of life. I became increasingly dissatisfied with this job and felt strongly that I needed more time to devote to my newfound religion.
I prayed about this, and not long afterward, I saw a position advertised which, though it meant taking a lower wage, would allow me more free time to be with my family as we grew together in the gospel. I applied but did not get the job. I must admit I was surprised and disappointed. I had really felt this was the answer to my prayers.
However, three weeks later, the job became available again and was offered to me. I was pleased to accept.
My first day at my new job, I reported to my superior. I was to be the bakery manager for a large catering company specializing in catering to industrial units.
I was shown the bakery, introduced to my assistant, and told I could draw upon a pool of part-time employees. My assignment was to provide freshly baked products for twenty-eight mobile snack units and two lunch counters as well as providing 1,500 dessert items.
As my responsibilities were outlined, I was appalled to discover that all records of amounts and varieties used in the past had been mislaid by my predecessor. My assistant was not cooperative, and the head chef in the adjoining kitchen was noncommittal.
So there I was—my first day at a new job, and I had no idea of amounts and no guidelines to follow. I desperately needed help—so, closing the bakery door, I went down on my knees in prayer. I explained my problem to the Lord and asked for his help.
After pausing for a brief moment, I stood up, took a deep breath, lit my ovens, and started my day’s work. All through the day, my mind was flooded with ideas and figures. At the end of the day, I had completed my assignment—nothing over, nothing short.
My supervisor called me into his office. “We have never had so many favorable comments of our bakery service in one day,” he commented. He then continued, “After only one day, we’ve decided to increase your salary. You’ve done a marvelous job; I just can’t see how you could have accomplished this remarkable task.”
He might not know how I was able to accomplish what I had, but there was no doubt in my mind.
Illustrated by Dikayl Dunkley