As we sat in the chapel waiting for the dedication of the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple to begin, I noticed a father holding places beside him a few rows up. He sat alone, waiting for his family to join him.
The clock ticked off the passing minutes, and I began to get nervous for him. Nervous that his family wouldn't make it time. Nervous that he would be forced to let a stranger sit next to him in those seats he had so valiantly saved.
Just as the ushers were locking the doors, preparing the chapel to become an extension of the new temple we were there to dedicate, his three daughters were ushered up the aisle to sit with him. For a moment, I rejoiced for him. I rejoiced that he had his daughters with him when it counted, that his wife was hurrying right behind them so she wouldn't miss this momentous occasion, that his mother-in-law was such a good woman.
And then my vision changed for a moment, and I imagined that he had been patiently waiting for his family to join him in heaven. I felt the worry he must have been feeling wondering if they would make it in time, and saw the joy in his eyes as they came into view. And suddenly my desire was renewed, the desire that used to burn stronger than it does now, that my family can be together again in the next life, if only we are faithful in this one.
If only I am more faithful in this one.
It's been a while since I've felt the urging to be better, to more deliberately fulfil the covenants I have made. I'm glad there's still time for my dedication, too.
3 comments:
Beautiful, thx for sharing. The dedication was such a treat today! katrina
can you put my email in your "email notifications" so I can receive updates conveniently in my inbox?
thx, heather
Th 9 am session was wonderful -- Elder Bednar's one of my faves.
I love that the Spirit let you have a different perspective on the man waiting for his family. What a great reminder.
Post a Comment