“Anything that is not permanent, is not reality.”
“In and through the temple people gain knowledge of reality.”
“Reality is where God is.”
Interesting that as I prepare to take the question, “What is real?” to the temple tomorrow morning, our Gospel Doctrine lesson just happened to be about Reality.
This isn’t the first time I’ve brought this question to the temple. I don’t know why (Maybe I lack confidence? Maybe I think too much?) but I seem to get confused easily and often. I want to do what is right, and maybe that is the confusion … just trying to figure out what is right. Regardless of the whys in it, I always end up asking myself, “What is real?”
The question was asked, “Is our everyday life reality?” Responses for both sides of the answer were given. I know that what is now is not what is real, according to God. We are a work in progress. We have stumbling blocks, weaknesses, mortal ailments etc that hinder who we really are. We get stronger through it all, but not until we return to our Heavenly Father, with the additional strength and polished knowledge that mortality has given us, do we enter reality. We do get glimpses, though, as we strive for it. The temple is one place where we enter momentary reality. What we feel inside the temple is real. That is the real world. Those are real feelings.
I need to be reminded of what is real, because my life is really confusing right now. I feel the need to act and behave in certain ways that have no explanation to them other than it’s what feels like needs to be done. Maybe that is all I need of an explanation? Maybe I don’t need to explain myself to anyone? I have been in situations where I have felt that exact same way – that I couldn’t explain the why of it, but just felt it was what needed to be done. Taking action in this way has drastically changed my life, and that is why I find myself terrified and confused. . . are my unexplainable feelings real? Should I really be acting on them? It is so hard and so scary to feel so confusingly alone and uncertain. More than once I have asked myself, “Am I going crazy?” I need the peace and clarity of reality within the temple. So, so, so grateful it is there!
*** ONE DAY LATER ***
Heavenly Father is amazing! The temple never fails me. Here was my answer:
You do NOT (said in a firm voice) have to explain or apologize to anyone for seeking peace in your life. It does not need to make sense to anyone.
This was such a strong and clear answer. My actions have only been me trying to find peace in my life. I am not meant for contention, nor confusion and have no need to lend myself to them. I am just fine the way that I am.
Peace is how the Lord tells us we are on the right path. “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” – D&C 6:23 The Lord is in peace. He is not in contention or confusion.
So grateful for His loving guidance!
