A visit to the Manti Temple

I went to the Manti temple last week. I was married there. I've been back many times, but this time, going as a single woman was very different than any other time I've been. I remembered things. I somehow saw everything in a different light, because of my recent past. I remembered my Mother in law being impatient and controlling on our wedding day. I sat in the Celestial room, on the very couch where my husband and I sat, right before being led into the sealing room to be married. We were the first couple sealed in that temple when it was rededicated in August of 1985. It is an incredible sanctuary. The spiral staircases are masterpieces.

I looked into a mirror, which had another mirror directly across from it, at the base of one of those staircases. In each sealing room they have opposing mirrors that make the images go on forever. This time, as I stood alone, in my full temple clothes, I saw my image go on and on. I thought about my journey, my courage. I thought about my mother and her mother and my female ancestors from many generations back. I felt like the offering of my life was acceptable to my Heavenly Father - that I am enough. I've made mistakes. I've learned from my mistakes. I've grown into a champion because of my trials and obstacles. I still have so far to go, but I know that I strive to give my best each and every day, and that is all that is required - Christ makes up the difference.

I was able to feel a great sense of closure because of my visit to this particular temple. I revisited past feelings and memories. I questioned things and came away pleased with the answers that I was able to give myself. Divorcing was the single best decision that I've ever made. "Sticking it out", "Enduring to the end", was never God's plan, when one of His precious daughters is being controlled, manipulated and betrayed. I've been promised "all that the Father hath" if I will but be faithful. I love the Lord with all my heart. I will keep my covenants. I will be faithful, so in this life or the next, it really doesn't matter, I will be blessed to be partnered with, equally yoked with a wonderful, worthy husband. This I know.

But for now, I am enough. I am good enough, strong enough, beautiful enough, smart enough and courageous enough to do all that the Father asks of me, because He will be at my side. He will be my strength and my support. If the Lord is with us, we cannot fail. I expect to succeed. I am only responsible for myself and my actions. So maybe I didn't succeed at marriage, but I feel that I'm succeeding at life. ~ Julia