by Terri Wagner
That phrase gave me pause last Friday night. I promised my mother that for mother's day I would do the endowments for my aunt. I had one strong memory of my aunt and kept that in my mind on the trip over to Baton Rouge (with several RS sisters) to try to focus on her. Unfortunately, she had passed away years ago. And being a military brat, I knew her but not that well in my growing up years.
As I settled into my seat reverently at the temple, I felt her strong spirit settled right next to me. And she proceeded to practically fling herself into the session. I wanted to laugh out loud as she was obviously having a joyful experience but of course that would not be seemly. After a while though her enthusiasm took over and I just enjoyed the ride. It was beyond a privilege to do this for my mom and an utter delight to reconnect with my aunt. It's comforting to know I have those on the other side waiting for me. And how sweet to know I was able to do something for them, they could not do here.
My one memory of my aunt is after I had joined the church, and we had a family event at her house. And she had bought Coke for me and my sister to drink since we no longer drank tea. Someone said oh they don't drink that either. Exasperated, she said, well just what do they drink? But I knew she didn't have a lot of money and just buying the Coke was a bit of a sacrifice and the truth was I did drink Coke then.
Isn't the gospel a wonderful, joyful thing when you can "pay back" someone who tried to do a kind thing for you? And isn't even better when you know they appreciate it.
It gave "temple ready" a whole new wonderful meaning for me.
I've never heard a temple session described in this way--makes me smile to read it. In fact, I smiled all day. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh, Terry!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a tender moment. I opened the blog hoping to read something to lift my spirits...and there you were! You also reminded me where I need to go to find the enlightenment I seek at this time. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
What a wonderful experience for you. I love doing temple work for those who really appreciate it. Thank you for sharing that wonderful experience. What joy you will have when you finally see her again.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I almost envy you the privilege of doing temple work for someone you know. Being the youngest grandchild of both sets of grandparents who did their own work and for their known ancestors, I only do work for 'names'. Yet what a thrill I get when a patron whispers to me, "this is my aunt," or "my grandmother," and sometimes, with tears in her eyes, one may say, "This is my mother." That always makes me cry in gratitude. What a blessing. And we have the privilege of sharing it with the whole wide world!
ReplyDeleteAnna