Day 17: Temple Peace

There's nothing that compares to the overwhelming peace of the temple for it is the Lord's house. This is the place where heaven touches earth. This is the place where peace wraps around and encompasses me. We are so blessed each time we enter those doors.

 I think that's why there is great opposition whenever we try to attend. We had planned to go to the temple for weeks and had our reservation set for yesterday. My parents were planning on coming over to babysit, but my mom got sick a few days before and so did my daughter. We decided to just reschedule for a more opportune time, but Wednesday night brought challenges that left me looking out over the city lights from my living room picture window. I decided maybe this could be my new "star chat window."

As I talked to my Father in heaven while gazing at the lights below, I saw the tiny glimmer of the temple 20 miles away against the backdrop of the mountains and knew we needed to be there the following evening. It was a strong impression and I knew the Lord would bless us if we sacrificed.

When yesterday dawned, I was grateful to see my daughter had improved. Though not 100%, her fever was gone and she was playing as usual. After half a dozen phone calls, I finally found a babysitter. The rest of the day was stressful and busy trying to get the house clean. By the time 4:00 rolled around, I was exhausted and a little short on patience. I was frantically trying to tie up the last few things when my oldest son came into my room.

As I quickly combed my daughter's hair he said, "Mom? It's a good thing you're going to the temple. You'll come back much nicer."

I grimaced. "Am I not being very nice?"

"Well, yes. You're always nice, but you won't be as frustrated," he diplomatically clarified.

I smiled and knew he was right.

The House of the Lord elevates our views, gives us a much-needed rest, offers respite and from the world, slows time, enlightens our minds, strengthens our resolve, and truly fills us with peace.

When I returned home several hours later I asked my son if I was "nice" again. He said, "Yes! You're not frustrated any more!"

I am grateful for the ultimate peace-filler, the House of the Lord, the temple of God.

To learn more about temples and why we build them, click here.

31 Days to Peace Index