A point of sanity
With the world all around us, nipping at us here, tugging on us there, it is such an amazing thing to have a moment where all of that stills, and we can take a quick respite and reconfirm whose we are and where we stand. Just this past sunday, I finally had my interview with the stake president to have my temple recommend signed. What a wonderful feeling that is, to sit in counsel with an ordained priesthood representative of the Lord. I find such interviews to be empowering and encouraging.
We live as we are told is best, and yet there is no earthly adulation for it in everyday life. There, though, in a recommend interview, is our moment of recognition. That signature says ‘well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ It is a small thing, like a parent’s hand resting on the shoulder of a child, but by small and simple means, y’know? I can’t help but feel the pride of having done right by heavenly standards when I can give those answers.
To have the opportunity to confess my testimony in a situation where it is completely and wholly appropriate to say ‘yes, I believe,’ it makes me slightly giddy even now, days later. It is a proud moment. Not a worldly pride, mind you, but rather the quiet, warm pride of a job well done–a life well lived.
I suppose it could become a mere matter of course–every so often go in, get it resigned, keep living, no big deal, lather rinse repeat. It just is not for me. It never has been. To live true and abiding gospel standards is an accomplishment, probably the most vital and important accomplishment any of us can achieve. To be able to sit in that moment of human accountability, and say that standards have been met, it can truly be a point of sanity in the insane practice of living as the Lord wills in a world gone so far awry, and I am thankful for it.
April 13th, 2006 15:51
How wonderful, Naiah! It is good to feel like you’ve come a long way and you are in a place that you want to be. Congrats.
April 13th, 2006 20:41
Well done indeed Naiah. I look forward to your post after your return visit to the Temple
April 13th, 2006 20:53
Thanks for stating so clearly and beautifully your gratitude for a procedure that too many of us might simply take for granted. I, too, will be eagerly awaiting your post after you have been back to the temple.
April 13th, 2006 20:54
I like the idea of the private interview in place of more public forms of praise. It seems like all the time our progress and goodness is measured in terms of comparisons to others. We’re so inclined to think “what good is praise if no-one hears it but me?”
April 13th, 2006 21:35
JKS,
Thanks! Yes, it does.
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Guy,
Thank-you. We’ll see what I write when the times comes.
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RoAnn,
You’re welcome. Like I said to Guy, we’ll see what I write when the time comes.
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Starfoxy,
It’s one of my private soap boxes, people living their life for the seemings. Praise to be witnessed by others kind of play into that. ie: Do you seek the praise for personal validation/confirmation of a job well done or for the sake of others knowing that you were praised for a job well done? (’you’ being rhetorical) I like private praise, as it strips away the seemings.
April 14th, 2006 04:38
Go Girl.
I liked the means you mention
Enjoy your trip, you deserve it.
April 14th, 2006 09:37
The Albanian members of our branch and preparing to go to the temple this year (once a year) in Frankfurt, Germany. It is wonderful to see their enthusiasm and their willingness to be everything that they need to be to just get to the temple. Naiah, your feelings remind me of theirs at this time.
April 14th, 2006 11:47
Eric,
Hahaha, thanks. Yes, it’s the banner on your site that has that scripture so on my mind these days. No worries, though, I’ve gotten a lot of thought-milage out of it.
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Jen,
Wow, that must be great for them! Yeah, I bet, to some degree our feelings right now are similar. I wish them the best on their trip.
April 14th, 2006 13:17
This is just lovely, thank you for sharing! If you don’t object, I’d like to share your thoughts with a few earnest Mia Maids on Sunday when we talk about priesthood …
April 25th, 2006 12:02
Naiah,
Congratulations. I can’t wait to read your thoughts about the Temple. I went to the Temple for the first time only 1 1/2 years ago and I have gone back every month since.
Nothing compares to the amazing feeling of the Temple, especially the Celestial room. I have had so many incredible experiences there.
I’m so happy for you!