Today was a day full of meanings. First, it was Valentines Day--a day of love and compassion. My sweet husband brought me roses and came home early from work the night before...so thoughtful. It was also Arizona Statehood Day. I didn't even know or perhaps remember this fact until I started dating Jason. It is his preferred meaning for the date...such a guy. It has been a joke since we were dating--no Happy Valentines on the cards, etc...just Happy Statehood Day. This Feb. 14th also brought another meaning--the Gila Valley Arizona Temple Groundbreaking ceremony. 
I think this may be MY new preferred meaning of the date. We attended as a family which I was grateful for. (Jason was had the opportunity to work security, but decided to brave the morning with us.) We had no real idea what to expect except for cool weather and crowds. We even debated a bit about going, but I was persistent and have no regrets. It was a brisk morning, but my inventive father-in-law parked his motor home in the field behind the ball fields so we had a place to stay warm until it was time to take our seats.
The crowd was there, but not in the number I think anyone expected. Jason and Kent guesstimated roughly 2,000 or so present on site. It was perfect--no crowding, appeared pretty orderly, and even surprisingly quiet (Jason even commented on that aspect.). We got to hear some beautiful words spoken my the Lord's appointed. The theme seemed to repeat itself: As these temple walls are lifted, lift yourselves...do better, be better, and know that you are loved because of your obedience and faith. I truly enjoyed each speaker and each one seemed to have something that I seemed to relate to. This surprised me...not because of the many reasons you are thinking...it just surprises me that as I look at the program, I realize I actually heard all these talks....even with my 1 year old traipsing back and forth and my 5 yr old whispering loudly with her cousins....
I was really there and I really heard what was being said. I can honestly say this doesn't really happen in my life lately at church--it all seems to be a jumble as I just try to get through another sacrament meeting as I juggle my little ones. I know it was The Spirit that helped my to hear with my heart on this day and for that I am truly grateful. 
I think this may be MY new preferred meaning of the date. We attended as a family which I was grateful for. (Jason was had the opportunity to work security, but decided to brave the morning with us.) We had no real idea what to expect except for cool weather and crowds. We even debated a bit about going, but I was persistent and have no regrets. It was a brisk morning, but my inventive father-in-law parked his motor home in the field behind the ball fields so we had a place to stay warm until it was time to take our seats. The crowd was there, but not in the number I think anyone expected. Jason and Kent guesstimated roughly 2,000 or so present on site. It was perfect--no crowding, appeared pretty orderly, and even surprisingly quiet (Jason even commented on that aspect.). We got to hear some beautiful words spoken my the Lord's appointed. The theme seemed to repeat itself: As these temple walls are lifted, lift yourselves...do better, be better, and know that you are loved because of your obedience and faith. I truly enjoyed each speaker and each one seemed to have something that I seemed to relate to. This surprised me...not because of the many reasons you are thinking...it just surprises me that as I look at the program, I realize I actually heard all these talks....even with my 1 year old traipsing back and forth and my 5 yr old whispering loudly with her cousins....I was really there and I really heard what was being said. I can honestly say this doesn't really happen in my life lately at church--it all seems to be a jumble as I just try to get through another sacrament meeting as I juggle my little ones. I know it was The Spirit that helped my to hear with my heart on this day and for that I am truly grateful. 
I am so excited to have a "temple at my fingertips". This day reinforced that...it reminded me of how grateful I am for a forever family. It reminded me of what truly is important--not diamond earrings and fancy flowers---just pure Christ-like love. I am grateful for my new meaning of February 14.Ps--At the ground breaking, I also got to see some faces, hear so words, and even chat with some people that have been important in my life in the church.....my bishop as a sunbeam from Silver City (I have always had a special place in my heart for him), my bishop when I was baptized (who now is a local stake president), a lady/friend who I worked for in HS who wasn't actively living the gospel but encouraged me to, and a friend who has been a good gospel example to me for the past 10 years. What a cool day!
5 comments:
Sounds like a good day. I'm glad you got to attend. I am always impressed at events like that at how well-organized the church is. They have done it a million times and know just what to do to make it run smoothly and well. Awesome.
I was there when the cornerstones were laid for the Nauvoo temple and it was a great experience too! So I know a little bit how you feel.
By the way, who came to do the groundbreaking?
Wow! Josh had to be an usher for it, so I decided to stay home. He said it was awesome though! Good for you guys for going. I'm SO excied to have a temple so close! We can totally have girls night's out and go do a session together. I think it sounds fun :o) What do you think?
We'd been looking forward to going since they announced it, but everybody in my family took turns being sick last week. Ugh! So we couldn't come. I was really bummed, but you can bet that we won't miss anything else! I'm glad that you actually were able to enjoy it & feel the Spirit- that's so rare with kids this age!
It was a really neat day and I think just goes to show that when you make the effort the Lord is just waiting to bless you with his Spirit.
The kids even seemed to understand that there was something special going on and hopefully they will remember this day and all the others that go along with this temple being built right here in "The Valley".
Glad that we could be there with you!!
Was the prophet there? I keep telling my husband we NEED to come to Thatcher and visit. For now my excuse is that John is an accountant and he won't be home until May.
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