Time in the Temple: Seasons, Surprises, and Priorities

by Lauren Madsen

I’ll never forget the determined look in her eyes as she slowly scooted her way to the temple sealing room. As an ordinance worker, I watched the beautiful bride pass by with a broken leg, her groom by her side. They were ready to make covenants with each other and the Lord, and it was clear that nothing was going to stand in their way.

All week I have thought about her, and the decision to go forward with their plans even though they had what most would call a good excuse to postpone. Their example has me asking myself, what excuses have I made to not make it to the temple? 

A few quickly come to mind: I am so busy with going to school. When I graduate, I will have more time for the temple. I am so overwhelmed with my new job. Once things settle down, then I will have more time for the temple. My kids are so little. When they get a little older, I will have more time for the temple. My responsibilities at home and my calling take so much time. When I’m released, I will have more time for the temple. I just have a lot going on this month. Next month doesn’t look so busy, I’ll try to get to the temple then instead. 

Whether it’s seasons-of-life type reasons for not getting to the temple, or just unexpected things popping up, over the years I have learned that it rarely feels “convenient” to get there. If I can count on anything, it’s that my plan to visit the temple will often include some opposition. Elder Kevin R. Duncan gave a good explanation as to why this is, “The adversary is on the alert. His power is threatened by the ordinances and covenants performed in temples, and he does anything he can to try to stop the work. Why? Because he knows of the power that comes from this sacred work.” The opposition is real, but we have the power.

I love how Elder Richard G. Scott stated plainly what we should do, “Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan.” It may not always seem so simple as that, but President Russell M. Nelson reminded us of the power in our agency, “The pandemic has demonstrated how quickly life can change, at times from circumstances beyond our control. However, there are many things we can control. We set our own priorities and determine how we use our energy, time, and means.” 

Surprises can be expected, but when they come, we can choose to keep the temple a high priority. It may feel easier to give in to these hiccups and cancel or postpone our visits to the temple, but the promises and blessings of the temple make it worth the extra effort to stick to our plans. President Nelson advised, “If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples.” 

Thinking ahead toward the inevitable complications of life and schedules, I will always be grateful to that bride and groom for the inspiring choice they made to be in the temple.