I received an unusual priesthood blessing at a time when I was feeling spiritually needy. Nothing in my life was particularly troublesome. I had a good part time job, my wife and I had been happily married for forty-plus years, and I was healthier than many men in my over-sixty age group.
Each day I got up early to pray, read scriptures, and meditate. I felt really grateful for the way the Lord had blessed me and my family. Still, I needed a spiritual boost. Going to the temple was not an option because of time and distance.
On impulse, I decided to fast. It wasn't a propitious day to fast because I had to work in the morning, and in the afternoon I planned to help an elderly man in our neighborhood with yard and home projects. My intellect told me not to fast. The spirit told me to fast.
I completed my morning work, changed clothes, and went to my neighbor's house. The tasks involved a lot of lifting and carrying.
After we finished the last task and I bid my neighbor goodbye, I remembered that my wife and I had a social engagement that evening that involved refreshments. My wife had been looking forward to the evening, but I wanted complete the fast with an hour of prayer and meditation. Unfortunately I had less than an hour to get home, bathe, and dress for the social. I was sweaty and dressed in grimy work clothes. The thought came to me: “Ask John for a priesthood blessing.”
John and I had been close friends for more than thirty years. Decades ago we served in a bishopric together. He had gone on to be a bishop, and stake patriarch. I dialed the number of the research laboratory where John worked.
“I'd like a priesthood blessing,” I said.
John didn't say, “Okay, come over next Saturday.” He said, “Come to my lab now.” His lab was across town.
“I'm not dressed for it.”
“Neither am I. Come anyway,” said John.
Fifteen minutes later I was standing in John's lab. He wore jeans and a work shirt under his white a lab coat, and I was sweaty, grimy and dusty.
Without social preliminaries, John motioned me to a chair, stood behind me, and laid his hands on my head.
This wasn't a spiritual setting, we weren't dressed for such an occasion, and John's manner had been matter of fact, but as the words of the blessing flowed I felt spiritual healing begin. I'm sure John felt it too, because I raised my face toward his voice, and a single tear fell on my forehead.
