Serving is Joy

Wed. Oct 24, 2012

This morning I decided I needed to get to the temple. I haven’t been in a while and I needed to go again and feel the spirit that only the temple can provide. I did initiatory work. I know that we are supposed to go to the temple to do work for others, but today I needed to go to the temple for ME. I waited for my turn. I was overwhelmed by the love and peace I felt from my Heavenly Father as I listened to the beautiful blessings and promises that are given in that sacred ordinance. One temple worker gently squeezed my arm each time I came to her and I felt a love and support from this sweet lady. Before I finished, she came up to me and whispered, ‘I know what you are going through right now and I want you to know that I’m a survivor and you are a survivor, too.’ I needed to hear that. Another worker thanked me for coming to the temple and told me to keep coming back. I’m so grateful for the Lord placing these sweet angels in my path to strengthen me and give the words of encouragement that I really needed to hear today. I came home with such gratitude in my heart for the Lord’s tender mercies and influence in my life. The temple is a place of peace, guidance, healing, and strength.

I spent the afternoon making some homemade soup, cornbread and cookies for my dear friend who has been really sick the last few days. It felt wonderful to throw myself into serving someone else and not focusing on my own challenges and worries. Giving service to others is truly the way to minimize our own trials. Serving is joy.