Today, as I sat in the truck waiting for a parking space in the Ogden Temple parking lot, I watched a woman hobbling along in what looked like a great amount of pain. Her swollen legs were wrapped in pressure bandages and she paused every few steps, grimaced, then gritted her teeth and push on across the expanse of the lot. When she was within hearing range, I rolled my window down and asked if she was heading for her car. She pointed to the last parking space near where I'd stopped to wait. I commented on her dedication in being at the temple when she was in obvious discomfort. She smiled and said, "It is the only place I can go to get peace."
I have often wondered how so many older people, some barely able to walk or move, find the energy to serve in the temple either as workers or patrons. Some have been there as regular as clockwork, serving quietly, hardly noticed by anyone year after year after year. Perhaps their blessing is peace in knowing that there is nothing so great as service to others with no thought of reward. Giving someone the opportunity to accept the gospel is the most lovely and precious of gifts. All it may cost for some folks is inconvenience, discomfort, and pushing through great pain.
Then, there is me--much healthier than they, arguing with myself as to whether I had the time to go to the temple today in the midst of the pressure of the long list of holiday to dos. Obviously, by being so caught up in the hustle and bustle of busyness, I missed the fact that the number one "to do" for Christmastime would be to go to the temple where one can be as close to the Prince of Peace as possible--doing His work. Unfortunately, as I was congratulating myself for giving a great Christmas present to the person for whom I had done the temple work, I failed to realize how much I've been given and how little He asks in return.
Musings and Moments While in the U.K. and Home Again in the U.S.A.
Christ Has Restored His Original Church!
Preston Temple photo taken 21 Nov. 2010
Curious about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Go to the source and find out more about us as followers of Jesus Christ at ComeUntoChrist.org
Or, go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, official web site: ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Find out what is going on: Newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Note: The Blain's England Manchester Mission blog is a personal blog that is not endorsed, approved, or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Link to other blog: https://happiness-faith-hope.blogspot.com/
Our Mission Scriptures
Our Mission Scriptures:
"Oh, that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart . . . Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth." Alma 29:1-2 (Book of Mormon)
" . . . be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Bible)
Gma! I love you!!:)
ReplyDeleteI love this. Thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteTwo lovely granddaughters sending love. It doesn't get much better than that! Love you LOTS and thanks for keeping in touch!!
ReplyDelete