Two Modern Parables You've Never Heard

PARABLE OF THE SCREWDRIVER

There was a propane tank at the end of the Pine Valley Road that ran dry and needed refilling. The propane delivery man is on the speed dial of the homeowner. He was summoned at 5:30 a.m., and when informed of his customer's plight, promised to come as his first delivery of the day. It's a 1,000 gallon tank that supplies the needed fuel for the boiler, and he filled it with dispatch.

However, the boiler in the basement of the home failed to ignite, and for two days and nights the home remained cold, forcing the homeowner to add two heavy comforters to his bed, move a space heater into the bedroom, and close the door to retain at least that much heat.

On the morning of the third day, the homeowner called for a technician to aid him in starting the boiler once again. He arranged to come as soon as his other calls would permit and within the hour knocked on the front door, equipped only with a screwdriver. The homeowner admitted him and escorted the technician to the crawl space where the boiler resided.

The technician removed the front panels with the screwdriver, exposing the inner workings of the boiler. Then he tapped three times on the side of the pilot light housing. In an instant the auto-pilot fired off and lit up the burners as the boiler suddenly sprang once again to life after having been dead as a doornail. 

The homeowner was amazed, and asked, "So what was the problem?" The technician smiled and said simply, "Well, I thought when I came in I could probably solve it with my screwdriver. The propane line between the tank and the boiler had a small air bubble in it, and all it needed was a slight tap to dislodge the bubble." Total elapsed time was five minutes.

As it is with seemingly difficult problems, when the Master Technician of the pilot light is summoned, and applies his superior knowledge to the situation, all is well. 

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Alma 37:6).

PARABLE OF THE LIVER

There was a certain old man, who visits his doctor on an annual basis for a checkup. Recently, he consulted with his doctor about his health profile, since brain surgery six years ago to remove a meningioma tumor, and he was feeling better than ever. 

The doctor ran through his battery of testing with his patient, including a cognitive analysis and a question, "Do you have any fears about death?" To which the old man responded, "Not now, knowing my beloved companion is waiting for me in the spirit world." 

Then the collection of bodily fluids ensued, including blood and urine samples for further analysis.

Two days later the results came back, showing normal results with only one exception - the liver function was "borderline." When the doctor's nurse called to review the findings, the ONLY item on the "list of horribles" that could be questioned was the liver function. Blood pressure, heart function, cholesterol and diabetes markers and other possible complications were ALL normal and showed improvement from previous visits. The elderly patient was also down to near his weight in his high school years, another marker that had shown improvement.

She explained the doctor's recommendation was, "Drink more water." Of all the remedies available to the doctor, this was the most sagacious wisdom he had for the patient.

“With men [it] is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

“With God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). 

Is ANYTHING too hard for the Lord, who is the Master Technician of the liver?

* * *

This weekend is a fast Sunday. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah has invited all the citizens in our drought-infested state to fast and to pray for more snow. So far this winter, I do not remember a year that has been this dry, and I've lived here since 1976. This is the view currently off my back deck.

I have shared these two parables for a specific purpose this morning. It is through small and simple things that great things are brought to pass. We may pray to our Father in Heaven on a host of topics for anything we desire. The only requirement is to invest our faith simultaneously.

The Master Technician of the universe is certainly our Savior Jesus Christ. My faith in both of Them multiplies within me each time I stand in sacred precincts. The other day I stood before the outstretched hands of my Savior, who I believe is eager to bless me.

I testify with all my heart this morning as I write that They are anxious to bless us with the miracles we need to effect the answers to our fervent petitions for more snow.

For Them it may be no more difficult than using a simple tool like a "celestial screwdriver" to tap the clouds overhead and unleash the needed moisture.