sacred home.

i've written before about temples in the past. i've written about going there to serve and think, but i suppose i'd better share some more information before i launch into my most recent realization.

it is common for mormon people to be a bit guarded about their temple experiences. all people have sacred or personal beliefs and memories they'd feel vulnerable sharing with others. but without going into much detail i'll try to convey the feelings involved in my temple worship.
 photo _DSC4510_zps74199603.jpg
the grounds are incredible. often there are fragrant flowers along the paths. beautiful fountains dot the grounds and the building itself stands lit and radiant.

everyone inside wears all white. upon entry any divide caused by clothing styles or price-tags is completely closed. every person looks so heavenly.

it is so clean and calm. people speak just above whispers. there are beautiful, thoughtfully placed paintings in each room or hallway depicting the Savior's ministry or elements of His teachings.

time melts away. the cares of life seem to wait outside the door. peaceful meditation is made possible.
 photo _DSC4517_zpseb4afe79.jpg
alright, here's where it gets messy.

we are often encouraged in our doctrine and culture to "make our homes like the temple."

yeah, okay.
 photo _DSC4563_zps7f15c31f.jpg
we have been working for years to build a Christ-centered home and i definitely see that our efforts have been happy and fruitful. and i know that a home like a temple doesn't necessarily mean perfectly clean, or stunningly silent. but, really, we are so far from being able to leave our worries at the front door.

our worries start when we enter our front door. and time ticks painfully on.
 photo _DSC4556_zps6937ef49.jpg
here's the sweet, sweet insight i've been given recently...

our kids are the temple patrons. we're the temple workers.
 photo _DSC4612_zps31da72ad.jpg
you see, there is a ground's crew that plants all of the flowers. sometimes they get help from people like us who volunteer and come up for a couple hours, but it's the stewardship of the temple workers. they are the people fishing the fallen leaves out of the fountains.

and all that white clothing that is magically available when patrons walk in to the dressing area. someone has laundered that white clothing, ironed each item and put them onto hangers. temple workers.
 photo _DSC4638_zps5802dc13.jpg
temple workers are standing to greet patrons at every turn, guiding them to their desired destinations, giving them valuable information. teaching, officiating. i know i've been reminded to speak softly by a kind, grey-haired lady a time or two.

there is even a cafeteria in the temple, so matt and i can't discount our sacred-temple-like-responsibility to do the cooking and dishes.
 photo _DSC4643_zps57a73bda.jpg
so our home can be so much more like the temple.
 photo _DSC4655_zps3f4f580e.jpg
not without a lot of work. until the kids get a bit older we're short-staffed with a large patronage.
 photo _DSC4669_zps86f9db7f.jpg
 photo _DSC4678_zps78057460.jpg
here are the goals we made:

1. wake up at 6am every morning to have personal scripture study time and to be the "greeters" for our children.

2. be more available to them, even as we're working, helping them feel as if our home is a safe-haven from the world.

3. do the housework with the same cheerful attitude as the person volunteering to work in the temple's laundry room.
 photo _DSC4695_zps23af3358.jpg photo _DSC4706_zps76c2a44f.jpg
 photo _DSC4709_zps5fa1bd6b.jpg photo _DSC4714_zpsabd453ac.jpg
the product of our efforts may look more like the Israelite Tabernacle than Soloman's Temple, but it's our best offering.
 photo _DSC4722_zpsa33ccfda.jpg photo _DSC4730_zpsd43e1335.jpg

Comments

Larry day said…
You really know how to make me cry.
Laura said…
Lovely lovely idea.

Personally I like the picture of your patron throwing popcorn. :)
BAWC said…
Thanks for a new perspective ;)
Candace said…
Megan, I LOVE this post. There should be a conference talk based off of your analogy. Love you and your lovely pictures.