Sure, this is a minor thing, but it can really make a difference. It can mean the difference between the lessons you teach going smoothly and the lessons being disrupted. I don’t mind the girls being late for church much because it doesn’t directly affect my schedule and plans (though half an hour late each week does baffle me), but when a teacher is late every week and seems oblivious, well… then I must complain about it within the bloggernacle.
I’m fairly obsessive about punctuality. I’m rarely late, and on those rare times, it causes extreme anxiety. My companion and I were almost two hours late to zone conference one time on my mission (we got very, very, very lost) and I about had a nervous breakdown. If I’m not certain how long it will take to get someplace, I’ll leave very early and bring a book. Actually, even if I do know how long it will take to get someplace, I’ll leave very early and bring a book. I tell you this so you can decide where to file this post in your mind — insane ramblings of a madwoman or advice to consider?
It drives me nuts when people I rely on are always late. I realize that things happen and occasional lateness can’t be helped. I’m sure everyone’s been lost at some point, traffic gets backed up, a child gets sick, aliens kidnap you (wait… that would probably be a bad excuse), or there was just too much planned for the day. Such is life. But persistent lateness calls for correction. If you are one of the perpetually unpunctual people, please find a way to be on time. Change your schedule. Wake up earlier. Accept that things will take longer than you currently think they will take, and allow for that longer length of time. Buy a watch.
Do you think the Lord was late to the creation? Or the resurrection? The answer could be yes, but I’d definitely be betting the answer is no. It’s simply a matter of respect for your fellow human beings. We’re relying on you.
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History of the Church, Vol 7, p. 456-458
Minutes of the first General Conference, which was ever held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the House of the Lord in the City of Joseph, commencing on Monday, October 6th, 1845, ten o’clock forenoon.
The conference was opened with singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt. Elder Willard Richards then arose and… stated, that the President had waited from half past nine to near eleven o’clock, for the people to get together; he exhorted the brethren to be more punctual, as so much time lost could not be recalled, and we have a great amount of business, which must necessarily be attended to during conference.