When I
got engaged on my 29th birthday, part of marrying him meant giving up
the temple. It was only supposed to be for one-year, but it turned into
18-years of not having the temple in my life – and I missed it, I longed for
it. After the divorce, one of my first things was to get a Temple Recommend
again. On my 47th birthday, exactly 18-years to-the-day since I had given up
the temple, I went back – and ten cherished family and friends were there with
me for that first session back.
I have
never lived more than 15 minutes from a temple. Even growing up in Oakland, the
Oakland Temple was also our Ward Building. But for 18 years I didn’t set foot
inside a temple. I knew that’s how things had to be then, but I get to live a
different life now – and I choose to live a life that includes going to the
temple every month. And so far, even with my crazy travel schedule, I get to
the temple almost every month.
And I
don’t say that to brag, but to share the importance of the temple to me. I know
what it’s like to not have the temple in my life, and I know that I am happier
this way. Don’t ever find out for yourself – just take my word on that one. And
go every month, so you never get out of the habit of going. It’s too important
to lose, and it’s too easy to take for granted.
So today
I went to the temple with my Temple Buddy, Kaye Nelson. Although she’s a temple
worker AND goes regularly with her husband, she makes time to attend with me
every month too. We’ve had some great experiences attending together, and
attending the temple is a beautiful thing to share. To share with family, like when I was 6-months-old and was sealed to my parents. With friends, like Kaye today. And one day with a life
companion that will not only promise to be sealed to me for eternity, but will
follow-through on that promise.
The way you feel in the temple
is a pattern for how you want to
feel in your life.
-- Elder Neil L. Andersen
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