Today’s new topic is undoubtedly one that bothers many who are of the female persuasion. But before we put on our booties and dive in, I have one last letter about the Priesthood Moving Company. This one is worth printing because it’s from a gentleman who is a professional mover. His perspective on ward-organized moves is, shall we say, just a little different from the perspective of most of us:
I have been in the moving business for 44 years. Last year I moved two of the apostles locally. Elder Ballard and Elder Oaks used our company. When asked, “How’s business?” I responded that my biggest competitor is the Elders Quorum Moving Company. That’s a phrase I coined about 10 years ago. I know you used the Priesthood Moving Company, but mine is way more accurate around here.
I told these brethren that service to widows, divorced, mothers with small children is one thing, but I have seen way too many Church members, with homes close to a million dollars in value, expecting an entitlement of moving services!
Moving frankly isn’t that expensive. When people choose a mover to move the heavy, nicer, well-maintained furniture, most moves are well under $1,000.00. In fact our average move is closer to half that amount. People don’t bat an eye when they pay 6% of the home sales price to a realtor, but to pay 1/8 to 1/4 of a percent for moving, they go bonkers.
Members of my ward always ask me, “Can you help with the moving?” I have always said, “I’ll let you use my equipment free, my pads, and all the dollies, if you’ll give me free services. I expect free dental, legal work, medical, plumbing, electrical, free life insurance, and whatever else ward members do for a living. Anything that members of the ward do, I expect free.” That comment quiets everyone, and they don’t bother me.
I have moved more than I can count of people whom I loved and really did need the service. I was glad to help. But when people feel entitled to have me move all ward people for free, I shut them up quickly.
The perils of moving are vast. There is damage to floors, walls, doorways, items being moved, as well as injuries to bodies. In my opinion, the biggest tragedy of the moving entitlement people is the yanking of fathers and mothers away from their young families. Time is the best commodity we can give to family members including wives, children, and parents. When we expect ourselves to work, go to Church meetings on Sundays and throughout the week, support our children at athletic leagues on Saturday, and do the “honey do” fixups around the home, we have a time-demanding lifestyle. Why in the world should we expect another four hours or so worth of “entitlement” moving to affect our families when the people who are being moved can well afford professional movers? It really doesn’t make sense.
Professional Mover
Professional Mover makes good points, people. It’s one thing to gratefully accept the services of ward members when the help is needed, and quite another to take ward members away from their families when you can afford a mover. And for pete’s sake, don’t ask someone to give you his professional services for free unless you’re willing to give your professional services for free in return. Fair is fair.
Now, on to today’s question. Ladies, it’s time to discuss something that many women dread — the ubiquitous baby and wedding showers. Let’s see what our reader has to say:
How do readers feel about wedding or baby showers held at the church? Do the hosts invite everyone verbally, or do they hand out invitations during Relief Society? Do some people feel left out? Do some people want to be left out? What if there is a conflict, like there is a stake temple session scheduled at the same time? Why do we still have showers? If someone wants to give you a gift, shouldn't they just be able to do it on their own?
Frustrated in Globe
Wow, Frustrated. My jaw is still on the floor from reading that people schedule showers at church during the same time as a stake temple session. I am so flummoxed I can’t even begin to address the rest of your questions.
That’s where you readers come in. What do you think about baby and wedding showers? When are they appropriate, where are they appropriate, and is church an appropriate place to have them? Let us know what you think by sending your thoughts to Me**************@ao*.com. Please do not use the form on this page, because your letter is likely to be lost if you do! Write directly to Me**************@ao*.com.
Let’s see if this topic opens another hornet’s nest.
Until next time — Kathy
“Serve me — I’m the bride.”
Hey, you try finding quotes
about baby and bridal showers!
