Reflections
This has been a real downer week at work. Not because of anything at the facility, I love all those guys, and the job. What is interfering with the job is stuff over which I have no control, and I am feeling consumed by it. No matter. Tonight I walked, and made the decision to go to the temple to help get my head on straight.
It partially worked. Well, I guess it would be better to say that it did work. I always feel refreshed when I go. For those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and may not understand what I mean, let me just briefly explain.
Of course the usual disclaimers about me representing me, and only me, definitely not the church, which is how I will refer, rather than fully spelling out the name.
Members of the church attend weekly services in church buildings that are open to all. We have a lay clergy, and during our main meeting, people from the congregation have been assigned to teach from the pulpit.
Temple worship on the other hand, is reserved for Temples, where only members of the church who have received a recommend may enter. (a recommend is received after an interview with your Bishop, and the Stake President). Worship in the temple is simple, and yet for those who frequently attend, has many levels of learning and understanding. It is an opportunity to commune with God in His House, separated from the world.
I so miss attending regularly with my wife. But she is back in Paola, and I am out here in Twin. I do enjoy attending with Callie over in Rexburg. She is the only family that is close.
Tonight, as I was attending, there was a young woman attending for the first time. She was surrounded by family, and what turned out to be future in-laws, as she was attending in preparation to be married. The love they had for each other was obvious. The Spirit was very strong. And this is why I said partially worked. As I sat and watched, I couldn't help but think of people that I know, that have been to the temple, and no longer go for whatever reason. I felt sad. In the temple we talk about eternity, and thinking of eternal consequences for all of us.
The hardest thing to remember as a parent, and friend, is that God granted us agency. This was so important that He offered up His Son as payment for us so that we could have that choice. He wants to give us blessings, but will not force them. It is our choice. Of course, that doesn't make me feel any better about things, but I have to be at peace with it.
If you would like to learn more about temples, and their purpose, or maybe just to look at pictures, you can check them out here: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/about/
It partially worked. Well, I guess it would be better to say that it did work. I always feel refreshed when I go. For those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and may not understand what I mean, let me just briefly explain.
Of course the usual disclaimers about me representing me, and only me, definitely not the church, which is how I will refer, rather than fully spelling out the name.
Members of the church attend weekly services in church buildings that are open to all. We have a lay clergy, and during our main meeting, people from the congregation have been assigned to teach from the pulpit.
Temple worship on the other hand, is reserved for Temples, where only members of the church who have received a recommend may enter. (a recommend is received after an interview with your Bishop, and the Stake President). Worship in the temple is simple, and yet for those who frequently attend, has many levels of learning and understanding. It is an opportunity to commune with God in His House, separated from the world.
I so miss attending regularly with my wife. But she is back in Paola, and I am out here in Twin. I do enjoy attending with Callie over in Rexburg. She is the only family that is close.
Tonight, as I was attending, there was a young woman attending for the first time. She was surrounded by family, and what turned out to be future in-laws, as she was attending in preparation to be married. The love they had for each other was obvious. The Spirit was very strong. And this is why I said partially worked. As I sat and watched, I couldn't help but think of people that I know, that have been to the temple, and no longer go for whatever reason. I felt sad. In the temple we talk about eternity, and thinking of eternal consequences for all of us.
The hardest thing to remember as a parent, and friend, is that God granted us agency. This was so important that He offered up His Son as payment for us so that we could have that choice. He wants to give us blessings, but will not force them. It is our choice. Of course, that doesn't make me feel any better about things, but I have to be at peace with it.
If you would like to learn more about temples, and their purpose, or maybe just to look at pictures, you can check them out here: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/about/
Comments
Post a Comment