I've been trying to find an excuse to blog for quite some time now, and several times I've visited my blog in hopes that I'll think of something really good. That I'll come up with some piece of wonderful wisdom I could impart, another heart touching poem, some light bulb revelation... it couldn't have been any of those.
I went to the temple today and realized, again... THIS... this is it. This is why we are, why we work, why we exist. For however long I spend away from the temple, whether it's an hour or a month, it's been far too long.
There is such an inexplicable peace in the Temple. Even if I tried, I couldn't think of anything to bother me in the temple, nor could I think of anything better to do with my time when I'm there. I forget about the trivia of life, I disregard technology, I get a chance to recharge my spiritual batteries and feel the spirit of the Lord, something I can't go a waking moment without, but something that is far too easily distracted in my life. The Temple, to me, is the greatest blessing we have, it is so, so, SO, SO, beautiful. Not just in it's striking physical appearance, which does read majesty in it's every, holy inch of sanctuary, but in it's make... it's purpose.
"Temples are literally the houses of the Lord. They are the holy places of worship where the Lord may visit. Only the home can compare with Temples in sacredness."
They provide a sanctum in which the four saving ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can be performed, being Baptism, Confirmation, Endowment, and Sealing (a fifth [the higher priesthood] for men, likewise
could be performed in the temple), not only for the living, but for the dead as well. This work is not just for those living on this Earth today, but for those who have dwelt in the past as well.
"The principal purpose of temples is to provide the ordinances necessary for our exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All we do in the Church—our meetings and activities, our missionary efforts, the lessons we teach and the hymns we sing—should point us to the Savior and the work we do in holy temples."
Lately, being in preparation for my mission, I've been thinking more and more of Temple work, and very specifically Endowments. Every time I've entered the Temple since I've started going regularly I've been asked checking into the font, "Are you endowed?" and every time I have to answer, "Not yet." Yet every time I yield that response, it fills me with so much joy to think, not right now, but I WILL. I have that potential, I have that blessing coming shortly. Today, the thought brought me to tears. The Temple is... well... perfect.
In spending time away from the Temple (which I hate doing), I go back and realize what a SPECTACULAR blessing it is, and I've always been a little awed by those who turn down Temple invitations because they "Just went the other day" or "Don't have time" or "Will get around to it." I know that I'm guilty of this, but how is it not a resolution to be at the Temple if not on a regular daily basis, then
at LEAST on a weekly basis. Some people must travel days and WEEKS and SAVE UP MONEY!!! to go to the Temple, and here we are in Utah with SIXTEEN Temples!!! With resources like that, we can't NOT seize that opportunity at every waking moment. Joking with a friend I turned to her said, "I wish I could be a Temple worker." Gawking, she turned back to me bug eyed and questioned, "Why!?" "I'm not quite sure," I responded, "I think I may have an unhealthily strong attraction to the Temple." And after letting the thought sit for a moment she said, "I actually don't think that's unhealthy." And thinking about it, she was right. I thought at one point, that spending too much time devoted to God and worship was pious and unhealthy, but quickly realized that, you CAN'T worship God
too much. In his worship, all other things come into order and are brought to pass. In his worship, you are brought to be a tool in his hands, to do his will, and his work, which clearly he has stated is, "...to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Sometimes you may feel (like I often do) that you cannot think clearly because your mind is so burdened with problems and so much trivia from life that is clamoring for attention. In the temple, the dust of these distractions can settle, the fog and haze can lift, and you can understand things that you have not understood before, and, like a river, over the sediment of worry, trivia and strife, you are free to press forward, make progress and carry through carving deep through flat surfaces your canyons and bends, your personality and purpose. You can find new ways to deal with the challenges you face, or be reassured of the faith it takes to turn to the Lord in these times.
The Lord will bless you as you attend to the sacred ordinance work in the temple. And the blessings He gives you will not be limited to your time in the temple. He will bless you in all aspects of your life. Your labors in the temple will strengthen you and refine you spiritually. Make time to let the Temple be a priority in your life if it isn't, or has managed to land it's way on your "Don't have time" list, or "I went just the other day" reasoning. I testify of the power and strength in the Temple, I have seen the blessing and I have felt that peace, of which there is no greater on this Earth. I love the Lord, Jesus Christ, and our Eternal Father in Heaven. I love this Gospel, I love this church, I love this people, and I love this work. I proudly stand before you with this knowledge and love and testify of these things with all my heart, might, mind and strength. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of our eternal God in Heaven, Amen.
