Smile Lines

Last night was Thursday, which means that I went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. It was one of the best experiences I've had at the temple- the Spirit was so strong. I could feel the joy of the temple in my soul, and couldn't stop smiling. The baptistry was very busy, so I and my friends who accompanied me were in an overflow room for a while, singing hymns. This in and of itself was a marvelous thing. Anyone who knows me knows I love to sing, especially choral music and hymns. Last night, all of my favorite hymns were sung, "Nearer My God To Thee," "Lead Kindly Light" and "How Great Thou Art" being just a few. I felt a pure joy in that room, and a sweet assurance that the temple truly is the place where the Lord's work is performed.

While we waited in the overflow, the Assistant to the Matron spoke to us. As she spoke, I noticed something. This sister had very pronounced smile lines. They splayed out from the corners of her eyes, and the way they curved spoke of years of joy and service to the Lord and to her family. It was easy to tell that she knew the Spirit well and that she was full of happiness. She smiled as she talked, and I could see that the lines around her eyes fit her smile like puzzle pieces. The words she spoke also told of the sweetness of her soul. She challenged us to change the way we pray as we come up on Thanksgiving. She asked that we try to only give thanks, and not ask for anything. What a challenge! This woman is someone that I want to be like.

The temple is the house of the Lord, and the work that is done there truly belongs to Him. I could feel the joy of the souls as their work was done, could almost hear them shouting "Amen!" as the ordinance was completed. This is the work of salvation, and what a privilege to be a part of it! In the Lord's house, every beautiful thing on this Earth can exist, and the evil cannot enter. In the Lord's house, there is the truest kind of peace and joy. The temple is a place of love, and full of kindness, reverence, and peace of heart.

I am truly convinced that the Lord allowed me to feel this strongly last night to comfort me after a long and trying week. It has been so busy, so frantic, so stressful, and I had been a little depressed. But after going to the temple last night, I feel restored to myself. I feel optimistic again, and for the first time in maybe a month, I was able to see the early morning as beautiful, and notice everything that I'd started to miss or take for granted. My smile will not go away (not that I'm trying). I feel happier today because I went to the temple. It was a blessing to be there, after this week, and a gift to feel the love of the Lord around me. For the first time in a while, I truly recognized that He was there with me- I was never alone, even when I felt lonely. I could feel His arms and sense His angels around me. I could feel His love for every soul present, and for every soul that ever was. He rejoices in the work we performed for the dead last night, I am sure of it. He did not forsake them, but provided a way, and He'll do the same for us.

The spirit in the temple is the most sweet and beautiful feeling I've ever known.