Thoughts On the Temple

Heaven just wouldn't be heaven without my family there!  

Our family went through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house a couple of weeks ago.  This is not a frequent opportunity, in fact it is only the second time our kids have had the opportunity to go inside in their lifetimes--and amazingly both times have been this year.  It is beautiful inside!  As we walked through the silent tour, we saw simple and elegant furnishings, heartwarming art and murals, beautiful plays of light on prismatic chandeliers and mirrors that were adjusted so that when we looked in them, we saw our reflections go on forever.  Above all, we were able to feel the good spirit that prevails there.  It is a safe feeling, one of peace and refuge.  As a thunderstorm literally blustered around us . . . and Moroni was hit by lightning while we were there . . . the inside was so quiet and calm that we had no idea it was anything else outside.  

I have to admit that I have taken the temple for granted until recently.  At the last conference church leaders invited us to serve in the temple more frequently and more sincerely.  It was the week after we moved, and I was unpacking the kitchen as I listened to a touching message from Elder Richard Scott who related how attending the temple has helped him in recent years.  Elder David Bednar promised that regular, meaningful attendance would give us literal protection and help us become better people.  I decided that I was going to attend more often.  I wanted to test it out, I suppose.  Easier said than done with a large, young family.  Since then, I have been going 2-3 times a month (instead of once every month or two), and I have noticed a change.  I have always worked on controlling my hot temper . . . especially with my kids and husband . . . and always considered it to be an aspect of self-control.  But since serving in the temple more, my temper has changed.  Even David has noticed a difference.  The interesting thing is that I don't feel like I have better self-control, I simply don't feel a need to lose my temper in the first place!  It is easier for me to see which things are worth being upset about . . . and how best to express that.  I also see how special each child is when I look at them and listen to their explanations and stories.  I am developing a better perspective, and gaining a conviction that we are not our best selves without divine help.

 

:)