Thoughts

The other day I was surprised to learn that a good friend of mine had married unexpectedly. The biggest shock, though, was to learn that she had been living with the man for several months before they married. I was blown away. She is a returned missionary and has a good heart. We had talked multiple times about the future-- the kind of person we wanted to marry, what we wanted our weddings to be like, etc. We both agreed that we wanted to be married in the temple, to receive all the blessings that only come through those covenants.

Why do some people give in and make choices they know they will regret? I know my friend already regrets her choice. To their credit, she and her husband are working towards a sealing in the temple, but it will be a long, uphill battle. A battle that could have been completely avoided.

I'm grateful to have parents that have always taught me not to give in. I definitely want to be married, but I will not settle. I will never give up my blessings for a mess of pottage. It's not worth it.

The same day that I found out about my friend's marriage, I had the opportunity to attend an endowment session with my family. My mom, four of my sisters, and I all attended a session together. The spirit that was there was indescribable. I felt completely at peace. I couldn't help contrasting that experience with my friend's experience. It makes me sad to think that she will have to wait a long time before she can go to the temple again. How could she give that up for the moment?




Sitting in the celestial room with my family made me realize how lucky I am. I would never give up that experience. Not even to be married soon. I'd rather wait another twenty or fifty years, or even until the next life. It would be worth the wait. It's worth it to be able to kneel at the altar and know that I'm doing the right thing at the right time at the right place.

In the words of Maltbie Davencourt Babcock:

Be Strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift.
We have hard work to do and loads to lift.
Shun not the struggle-- tis God's gift.

Be Strong! Say not 'The Days are Evil-- who's to blame?'
And fold the hands and aquiesce-- oh shame!
Stand up! Speak out and bravely, in God's name.

Be Strong! It matters not deep intrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long.
Faint not! Fight on! Tomorrow comes the song.