Locked Out!

When Mark installed our new front door locks, we discovered that the knob's lock was deceptive because even when it was locked it turned like it was unlocked, except the outside doorknob was locked. I first discovered this when I took the trash out one evening and the door was locked when I got back without my knowing it. Luckily Mark was home and could let me in. That wasn't the case on Friday, January 6th. I walked outside with the idea of seeing what the temperature was like. I thought it might be nice to read my scriptures outside in the sunshine. I inadvertently shut the door. It was locked! I couldn't believe it! I had not key, I had no phone! Thankfully I was at least dressed in exercise clothes, but I had no shoes. Of course I pleaded with the Lord to tell Mark to come home, then I waited. (Naturally it would take some time for him to get the message and get home.) And yes, I cried. But...something I had read in the conference issue of the Ensign kept coming to my mind: "It is contrary to the economy of heaven for the Lord to do for us that which we can do for ourselves." ("The Privilege of Prayer," Elder J. Devin Cornish, Ensign Nov. 2011, 102) I came to realize it would be up to me--unless I wanted to sit outside on the cement steps all day long. Since I had no shoes I couldn't go anywhere to spend the day. The sad thing is I realized I knew NO ONE'S phone numbers. I didn't know Mark's, I didn't know any of the kids'. They are all a name in my cell phone and I just press the name! The only number I did know was my parents'. I went back and forth knowing I needed to ask someone, but not wanting to impose. I don't know who long I sat outside--I know it was over an hour at least. Finally a couple of women drove up and got out. I got up the courage to ask if I could use a cell phone. I told them I had locked myself out of my condo. The woman who lent me her phone wasn't sure it would call long distance, but thankfully it did...and thankfully my dad answered. I was so embarrassed with my situation I started to cry! But Dad fond Mark's number and said he would call him. When the lady saw I was crying she invited me to come into her home (actually it was her son's home, she was visiting from Venezuela for a couple of weeks). Her niece was the other woman. They were both so kind. I was invited to sit down; it was so cool after being outside for so long. She offered me a cool drink. I stayed for a while, but worried Mark might come home and not find me so I thanked the niece (the other was one the phone) and left. "Are you always gong to call your mom?" That was the first words out of Mark's mouth when he saw me. "I don't know your number!" I cried. "That's the only number I know." He opened the door. The first thing I did when I got into the house was put a piece of masking tape over the doorknob lock. I informed Mark he can never lock that doorknob again! The sweet lady who helped me came by later to make sure I was okay. I thanked her again and again. I'll never forget her kindness.