I was able to go to the St. George temple the Friday before it closed. Usually I attend the temple with a purpose in mind, a question or concern, but that day I went simply with an open mind and heart to noticing whatever the Spirit wanted to show me. Here is what I noticed:
Two things that stood out to me at the temple.
1, God accepts any capacity we can give to Him. He loves us and is simply happy to have us in His presence, imperfections and all. Yes, there is a worthiness factor that is required for temple attendance, BUT we are much harder on ourselves than He is on us. He loves us. He knows we are not perfect. He cares that our hearts are turned towards Him, that’s what matters. He wants us there with Him. That feeling was so strong to me that day!
2, Adam and Eve hid from God after eating the forbidden fruit, and when finally stepping out from hiding, the shame they felt was evident. The shame they experienced wasn’t in eating the fruit, it was in the act of hiding. Eating the fruit is where they originally screwed up (technically speaking), but that was just a mistake – we all make mistakes. That is a given. We know it, and God knows it, and we know that God knows it. There is no expectation of perfection held over us, unless it is us holding it there for ourselves. BUT when we try to hide the fact that we made a mistake and choose not to openly talk with our Heavenly Father about it, that is where shame grows. That is where darkness is. That is where Satan lurks. Don’t fall into the trap of hiding. Doing so serves Satan only. God never wants us to ever feel like we need to hide from Him. His love is pure and gentle, kind and understanding.
I am so grateful for the opportunities I get to spend time in the temple, particularly the St. George temple. I am grateful for God’s love and His unwavering guidance. I was listening to a Stake Conference speaker the other day, Elder Le Grand Curtis, I believe, and he was saying how President Nelson has said that one of the most surprising things to him since he has been the Prophet was how willing God really is to reveal His word and will. He is eager to teach us and to share with us His knowledge and vision. I am so grateful for that! I love Him!
