A week ago last Monday, Val and I, for Noche de Hogar, or Family Night, shared a powerpoint:
This is our temple...but there are hundreds dotting the earth...and Sister Peterson taught me this week about peoples of the earth needing and making room for "sacred space."
So, cast your mind back to the times that you have needed help, and comfort, and answers in your personal sacred space.
This happened in the early years of the Church.
Refugees were camped in freezing weather, miserable conditions along the Mississippi river, needing relief.
An unabashed leader, once called the American Moses, reminded others traveling, that they could help...it was the fire of their covenants that drove them back, though it had taken weeks to get where they were.
Maybe you have had some experience with finding sacred space, making promises, and working to keep them. We have.
So did struggling pioneers in Eastern Germany, who prayed and prayed for a temple in their land. We were told by visitor center missionaries in Independence, Missouri that when a sacred space is introduced, walls of oppression begin to crumble.
How many of us have our own personal walls, that are "continually before" one who has engraven us on his hands and heart?
 |
| Leaving Tegucigalpa temple grounds...(see Doctrine and Covenants 109:22) |
So, new missionaries are arriving, and filling their posts with light and love, and accuracy and good cheer. And we are leaving to different yet to be experienced horizons. What can we bring away with us from this wonderful sacred space?
We can remember the "why"s of these beautiful buildings, and why we lift our eyes to the hills and to the heavens, from "whence cometh our help."
We turn our minds and hearts to those that made their way forward without guarantee, to build a future for their children and generations yet unborn. We reach our arms and hold close our spouse, our children, grandchildren, and teach them about their great grandparents.
And in the doing, we find comfort, safety, connection, and peace. And the wounds of our every day challenges find balm and blessing in the light of true, solid promises.
Our experience in Tegucigalpa touches upon a song that Kristen played for her fellow drama students: "[We] have been [--forever--] "changed for good."
Much gratitude for your encouragement, support, prayers, and your wonderful ability to step forward with your personal wagon, handcart, or simply your feet, shoes, or no shoes--to "Carry on, carry on, carry on!"
Blessings to each of you...and stay tuned, for further adventures!
Love, Laurene and Val
No comments:
Post a Comment