A Unique Temple Experience

by Kari Diane Pike

There's nothing like a little chaos in my life to give me a greater appreciation for the blessings of the temple. As the stress builds up to the point where I have to remind myself to breathe, all I have to do is walk through those temple doors to find relief.

My visit to the Mt.Timpanogas Temple last night was of a different nature...but no less of a blessing. When I entered the temple last night I wore tennis shoes and jeans instead of my Sunday best. Rather than a white suit, the security guard who let me through the service entrance wore work clothes. Instead of a beautiful white dress, I pulled a set of white scrubs on over my street clothes and joined over 100 other friends and neighbors in a small room while we waited for our instructions. The supervisors assigned each of us to various task of polishing, scrubbing, vacuuming, mopping, moving furniture, and cleaning grout. (I am now an expert in Grout 101.)

 The best part of my experience last night was feeling the strength and presence of the Lord, even though our service last night was more of a physical nature. No one grumbled or complained about getting on their knees  to scrub bathroom floors. Everyone smiled and laughed (quietly of course) and willingly worked together. I've experienced similar feelings working at the Bishop's Storehouse and cleaning a sister's home with other members of the Relief Society -- anywhere I have been able to be a part of rendering service.

My new goal is to try to replicate these same feelings as I work with my family. Our homes are sacred -- or at least should be! -- and as we remember who we are and the purpose of families and working together we will experience that same joy and peace.

Facing this summer not knowing where we are going to live or work is a lot easier now that I have been reminded of what is most important in my life. So -- off to more packing and cleaning!
Maybe next time we visit I'll actually talk about writing....
hugs~