Working on a Farm

From Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball Jr., Spencer W. Kimball (1977), 38–39, 196, 232 and Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2005), xiv, xvii.

Illustrations by Sal Velluto and Eugenio Mattozzi

One day a man in the ward stopped by to sell Spencer’s father a load of pumpkins for pig feed.

Man: Do I hear Spencer singing? Your boy must be happy.

Spencer’s father: Yes, he is happy, clean, and obedient. He will become a mighty man in the Church.

Spencer liked to learn hymns and memorize scriptures as he milked the cows each day.

He also liked to practice aiming streams of milk into the barn cats’ mouths.

Young Spencer worked hard on the farm, but he knew when to stop. In his youth Primary was held on a weekday.

Spencer: I hear the Primary bell ringing. That means it’s time for Primary.

Spencer’s brother: No, you don’t, little brother. We need you to finish tromping down the hay.

Spencer’s brother: Spencer, what’s going on up there?
Spencer?

Spencer’s brother: Look, he’s halfway across the field. He sure likes Primary!

Hard work prepared Spencer to serve in the Church. As an Apostle he often traveled to stake conferences and stayed in members’ homes. As he served them he served the Lord.

Elder Kimball: Can I borrow some overalls?

Man: But Elder Kimball, you’re our guest. I wouldn’t dream of asking you to do chores.

Elder Kimball: Milking the cows will go faster if you let me help!