People and choices

Another local newspaper item got me thinking. A group of 5 young men between the ages of 18 and 21 were about to go to jail for numerous mailbox bashing sprees. They drove through a fairly upscale area south of Dayton (yes, there are nearby areas that are NOT depressing ghettos) hanging out a car window with a baseball bat, destroying mailboxes. When asked why, they told the police that it was "something to do", they "did it for fun". I immediately pictured young men of the same age with white shirts, ties, and name tags reading "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". Their activities include studying scriptures, knocking on doors to introduce people to the church, rendering many hours of service to others, and teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I realize that not every 19-year old male who chooses not to serve as a missionary will end up bashing mailboxes, but it does cause thought as to what they will do with their leisure time. Depending on their life circumstances, they may have little free time because they're working and going to school, or lots of free time because they have parents willing to support them while they do whatever they want "for fun". It can also make you wonder where those men will be 10 or 20 years from now and what they will be doing. Early in life it only takes one small step to totally change paths. I'm glad I have chosen a path that will result in my spending eternity with people who prefer to use their "free time" to benefit others. It will be heavenly!!