the Temple

I love going to the temple. Each time I am there I feel I gain and learn something new. I always try to look for something new that was said or view it in a different way. Memorial Day I had the opportunity to attend a session. This was very odd since it was a Monday and the Temple isn't open on Mondays and because it was a holiday. I guess they were opening it up for workers at the temple and Spencer's friend had told him about it. I had been meaning to go for the month of May (I am trying to go every month) and so I left the kids with Spencer and went after my run Monday morning.

It was a beautiful day and I just love that temple so much! Two things that I took away from my experience there. I love how when it is talking about our covenants that we make and it says we need to use our time, talents and everything else for the building up of the Lord's church. This hit me hard this time for a few reasons. I was recently called to be the Primary President. I absolutely love being in Primary but since Spencer and I have been married (almost 5 years) that is the only place I have been. I have always served in the Primary. When our former President was released I was kind of  expecting them to call me, but in my mind I was maybe hoping to not be called. A few Sundays ago, after being called and talking with the Bishop I was a little grumpy that day. I was having a super bad attitude about being called and feeling like I just wanted to be in Relief Society. Thankfully for Spencer, my grumpiness didn't last long. We were talking and I was telling him how I felt, but he reminded me about our beautiful new apartments that we miraculously were able to move into. He reminded me of our beautiful children and this wonderful life that we live. Our Heavenly Father has blessed our life so much! I realized I needed to be grateful for all the blessings that I have had in my life and realize where much is given, much is required. I think Heavenly Father has blessed us so that we are able to stay here in New York and help the strengthen our church out here. After talking with him, the next few days I received some beautiful confirmations that I really was supposed to stay in Primary. I went on a run and the thoughts, "why not you?" came to my mind. If I had declined that calling, who else would have/could have filled it where I would have been satisfied with my girls in Primary. I would want someone as caring, compassionate, soft and loving as myself down there, so why not me? Why did I want to be in Relief Society so bad when my heart is with the children? Then just on Sunday we sang two songs that lifted my spirits. The first, "Because I have been given much" and the second, "Have I done any good in the world today". Both these songs have a powerful message and I realized, just like on my run and while at the temple, that our purpose here on earth isn't to sit back and enjoy the ride. It is to help others, help Heavenly Father, help those around us. I know I can help these Primary kids so much in my actions and love towards them.

The second thing I took away from the temple was a beautiful picture in my mind. I often think about my brother-in-law Jim and that day was no different. As I was in the temple, listening to the words that were spoken, it talks about meeting Angels to give our signs to. I imagined Jim meeting with an ancestor, maybe Grandfather or Grandmother, and being able to give his signs for him to pass through the veil. This is not doctrine and maybe I am completely off my rocker, but it was a beautiful picture in my head.

I am grateful for growth. I am grateful for the Spirit that I feel. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears me and loves me.