at the temple

ten reasons why volunteering at the oakland temple as an ordinance worker is the best:

1. when i am in the temple, i feel peace. my life feels so chaotic and stressful right now, and being in that quiet, sacred place is so soothing and calming and re-energizing and beautiful.

2. four and a half hours completely unplugged resets my perspective and clears the frenzy of constantly being connected. (also, it's fun to have new messages after not looking at my phone all morning :) )

3. i get to interact with people older than me, and learn from them. i spend every weekday with thirty eight thirteen year olds, and every weekend with people my same age - and it's just nice to spend time with people in a different stage of life than me. there is one sister on my shift that is so fabulously eccentric and excited about life who has become a dear friend. yesterday i was able to chat with an elderly woman who is originally from the netherlands, but grew up on the island of sumatra in indonesia and lived in a japanese internment camp on that island for four years during world war two. she told me her story of conversion to the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints, and of how she came to the states, and about how much she loves her children and how much she loves the gospel. in the temple i meet ordinance workers and volunteers from all over northern california, who volunteer their time to serve god and others. 

4. i love seeing friends coming to the temple. it makes my heart happy to see people i love coming to find peace and perspective and service and strength. i also get to see friends of my siblings and parents - because i wear a nametag with both my first and last name, i have been approached nearly every shift i've worked by someone who knows my brother or sister or mom and dad. that's really fun for me.

5. in the past i've been so diligent about filling up my saturdays with fun adventures. working in the temple every other saturday has forced me to have a slower and relaxing saturday at least twice a month, which i think has been good for my soul. 

6. that said, when i am already in the east bay, it's an excuse to see friends in the city or in berkeley after my shift. 

7. the view from temple hill is incredible and inspiring. 

8. it's a really beautiful thing to witness brides and grooms in the temple. i've seen brides surrounded by their mom and sisters preparing in the brides room, couples waiting in the celestial room to go up to a sealing room to be married for all eternity, couples meeting in the hallway after their sealing and before leaving the temple together as husband and wife. they just exude heaps of light and happiness and love that feels so fresh and real to me, just a bystanding observer. one of my favourite things has been watching couples walk toward the temple doors - as they turn the corner to leave the temple i can't see them anymore, but i can hear the joyous roar of cheers from their loved ones who had been outside ready to take pictures and offer congratulations. i believe in marriage, and in temple marriage specifically too, so passionately. 

9. learning about the operations of the house of the lord is enlightening and faith promoting. i get to do something different just about every shift, and it's fun!

10. whenever i leave the temple, i feel like this scripture is being fulfilled in me (from the dedicatory prayer of the first temple built in modern times in kirtland, ohio):
and we ask thee, holy father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;
and from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfill that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.
yes, i feel powerful, and glorious, and watched over by angels. 

i really believe this stuff is real. i love the temple, and i am so grateful for the opportunity to serve there. it has been just what i have needed in my life right now. 

Comments

  1. I read a book entitled "As I Have Loved You" by Kitty de Ruyter-Bons a few years ago and LOVED it. Sounds like such a similar story to the lady you met who grew up in Indonesia. Amazing story! If you get a chance you should read her book.

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  2. Such a wonderful post! I am thinking about becoming a temple worker this summer, and you just gave me the extra push I need to make this happen!

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  3. The way you live your life is such an inspiration. I love that you are able to put into words the things that are in your heart. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Your blog is so uplifting.

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  4. i would just have to agree with everything you said. except i'd add: basically being barefoot for 5 hours. it's a dream.

    love you!

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  5. Can I get an amen!! Serving as an ordinance worker in the temple was such a blessing in my life (and continues to be). I saw miracles constantly and felt the Lord gently teach me about His plan for me. Thanks for the glad tidings Charity!

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  6. Loved your post about the temple. It is one of my favorite places. Enjoy this opportunity to serve and learn! Soon enough marriage and children make temple visits a little harder. I promise the time you are spending now will fill your heart later on! Kirstin

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  7. you have such a grand talent for expressing yourself in words. your posts are like poetry.
    --nancy in montana

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  8. LOVE this post Charity! Love you too! Your abilities to express your feelings are astonishing!

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