Blessings of the Temple

Shortly before Lucy was born, Mike and I made a goal to attend the Temple once a month.  If you'd like to learn more about Temples - click here. With our new goal in mind, we visited the Temple, and then the next month I was in and out of the hospital with gallbladder attacks and the next month I was induced.  We didn't feel like we had time to visit the Temple, or we didn't make time.  Then we had a newborn. We were able to attend again shortly after Lucy was born, but didn't stick to it consistently.

There seems to always be an excuse as to why we can't visit the Temple.  We talk about the importance of going to the Temple in almost every lesson we participate in, teach or every talk we hear on Sunday.  In fact, every time we'd have an appointment with our Bishop he always urged us to attend the Temple.

In April, Mike and I decided to take up our once a month visit to the Temple goal.  It was hard.  There were so many reasons why we should've stayed home with Lucy.  She was teething, we had to get up early the next day, who would watch her for us, we can't afford a babysitter, we won't get there on time because of traffic AND my personal favourite - we had a fight right as we were getting ready to go. But, we made it.

Since then, Mike and I have been able to visit the Temple once a month for three months in a row.  Even though it's only been three months, I can't count the blessings we've received because of it.  I know it sounds like a super general, Sunday school answer - if you go to the Temple you'll be blessed - but it's true.

This time last year, Mike had no idea where he was going to work in the Fall.  I was pregnant, hormonal, in and out of the hospital with gallbladder attacks and an emotional basket case.  The stress and anxiety of not having any income was a lot.  This year, Mike doesn't know where he'll be teaching, but both of us can see the Lord's hand in his professional career and know that things will work out.

Infertility is our constant ghostly companion.  For those of you who have experienced the weight of infertility - you know how hope crushing it can be.  I won't get into specifics in this post, but you can read my post on our infertility journey here.  Every time I go to the Temple, I feel so inspired and comforted about our situation.  It's still hard.  I still cry (a lot guys, I cry a lot), but I know deep down in my soul that our children are waiting in the spirit world and are so excited to be held in our arms.  I don't know when, or how, but there have been so many times where I've felt so deeply that there is a baby coming.  In times when it seems that all I have left is despair, the Temple ignites a bright hope that is about to buoy my spirit.

Attending the Temple together has strengthened our marriage.  Mike and I have had to face a lot of big things together that might tear other couples apart.  By going to the Temple together and sharing sacred ordinances, service and the spirit of Christ we've been able to come closer together.  As we both strengthen our testimony in the Saviour and draw nearer to him, we also draw nearer to each other.

Our life isn't perfect, or easy.  Our trials haven't melted away to nothing.  We stress over finances.  I still cry when I go through Lucy's newborn clothes, wondering if I'll ever hold another little baby of my own.  We still argue.  Going to the Temple hasn't erased all of our problems, but it has armed us with the knowledge of how deeply our Heavenly Father loves us and how far Satan will go to undermine that knowledge.  By opening up to our Heavenly Father in the Temple, we've been able to see a shower of heavenly blessings around us - big and small.

I urge everyone and anyone reading this to go to the Temple.  Make it a priority.  It'll probably be easier not to go, but do it anyways.  Over the past three months, the way I view the Temple has dramatically changed.  It isn't just a beautiful building that we're obligated to attend or avert eye contact when someone challenges or asks you to attend during a lesson or interview.  Yes, Temples are beautiful buildings.  However, their physical appearance pales in comparison to the strength of the spirit which resides inside.  I feel so blessed to live in the same city as a Temple and even more so for the opportunity, I have to visit regularly.  I know these things to be true, and I double dare you to test them out for yourself.