the temple with a view

After a year of living in Vegas, it doesn't seem odd to me that our options for date night are 1) a thrill ride on the top of the Stratosphere or 2) a session at the temple. And even though my vote was for the Big Shot, we both knew where we needed to be. Going to the temple always seems to be a challenge. For some reason it's harder to pay a babysitter to worship than it is see a movie. Why that is, I am not sure. But I am not about to let my new years resolutions die this early in the year, so we packed out temple bags and headed north. We live about 25 miles from the temple, but thanks to a big accident on the freeway, it took us a whopping 90 minutes to get there. (Traffic= one of my favorite things about living in a big city.) When we finally arrived, we knew we wouldn't be able to go to session and be home in time for the babysitter. So instead, we decided to walk the grounds, sit by the fountains and enjoy the view. What seemed like a rather uneventful night, turned out to be just what the doctor ordered...

Going to the temple should be our most important date night.. because let's face it, it's by far the most expensive.. that is, when you consider the tithing we pay to get in! (10% is a lot more when you have an actual job!) Last night while looking at this magnificent building and thinking about the hundreds of others around the world, I felt so honored to be a part of it. And even though I don't express my appreciation as often as I should, the blessings that come from the temple are my most treasured. What would I do without the knowledge that my family is FOREVER? Everything that I work so hard for would seem temporary and fragile. What a blessing it is to live so close to a building of such importance.. a house of the Lord. And how lucky I am to have a husband who is worthy and willing to go with me.

While in bed last night, I just couldn't stop thinking about our beloved Gordon B. Hinckley. What a vision he had for temples across the earth!! I heard the report of his viewing/funeral services and the thousands of people who were waiting in the cold for HOURS to pay tribute to the man who had influenced their lives. Then my thoughts turned to the millions on the other side who must have been waiting in line to greet him, to shake his hand and express their gratitude for all his service. I am sure the heavens are full of countless people who have been blessed by his enthusiasm for temple work. Not only did he have a vision to spread temples across the land, but he put forth the HARD work to implement the plan, giving the opportunity for thousands of people to receive their own endowments and millions of others who never had the chance while they were living. What a joyous homecoming he must have had! His example makes me want to live a better life.. to give more of myself and of my time. I am truly grateful for ALL of my blessings and hope that I will be able to show my gratitude through more frequent temple visits... And if walking on the grounds could inspire me and make me feel this much joy, I can only imagine what it will feel like after making it inside!