Temples are beautiful, both inside and out. But more important than their beauty is their purpose. Within temples, faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make covenants with God that will help qualify them for exhaltation. Certain ordinances within temples seal families together forever. I cannot even express the gratitude I feel that this is a reality in my life. I am sealed to my family and I will be sealed to my future family. And if we remain faithful to our covenants, we are promised to be together again even after we are separated by death.
I've been re-reading "The Holy Temple" by Elder Boyd K. Packer. I first read this book nearly 10 years ago when I was preparing to make higher covenants with my Heavenly Father in the temple. One of the chapters discusses symbols. Elder Packer says, "The temple itself becomes a symbol. If you have seen one of the temples at night, fully lighted, you know what an impressive sight that can be. The house of the Lord, bathed in light, standing out in the darkness, becomes symbolic of the power and inspiration of the gospel of Jesus Christ standing as a beacon in a world that sinks further into spiritual darkness."
One of my favorite sites to see in the Washington D.C. area is the Washington, D.C. temple. I live about 5 miles from it! It's awesome. As you're driving from the Baltimore or Silver Spring area of Maryland, going west, you come around a corner and at one point you will see the temple directly in front of you, as if you are going to drive right into it. It is most impressive at night. When I read that quote above, that's what it reminded me of. And as I look at any temple bathed in light, I am reminded of what it stands for. It is a place of power and learning. I invite you to go to the temple nearest you. If you are a worthy temple recommend holder, go often. So many of us live within miles of a temple. If you are not yet worthy to enter the temple, please take the time to go visit the temple grounds and feel of His peace, even as you sit and ponder outside the temple walls. And as you do that, make a plan to prepare yourself to enter the temple someday to make those essential covenants with our Heavenly Father.
I am blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Washington, DC temple once a week. It is a blessing because I get to escape from the world and feel true peace and happiness. If you are a temple worthy Young Single Adult and you are reading this right now, please consider volunteering your time as a temple worker. I know that you will see more clearly what Heavenly Father has in store for you as you serve Him.
If I remember correctly, I've been to 27 temples, but unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to go inside all 27. Here are pictures of the temples that I've been to.
Can you name them all?
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