Provo City Center Temple

This morning we were finally able to attend the Provo City Center Temple open house as a family. We had an early reservation - 7:15 - so everyone was up by 6:30.  We arrived a few minutes early, waited in line for a bit, then watched a video about the purpose of temples.

When we walked into the temple from the parking garage, I asked the kids to pay attention to how they feel, not just what they see.  The tour took us through most of the temple and the kids were very interested, though tired from all of the walking and going up and down so many stairs.  They asked questions, made meaningful connections to previous discussions, and appreciated the beauty of the building.

Once we had finished the tour and were back outside, a kind stranger offered to take a family picture for us.  Then we found a bench and talked to the kids about what they'd just felt.  Jack said, "comfort" and Eliza said, "the spirit."  When I asked them what those things felt like, Jack said, "It felt like home."  I love that.

And then Luke ran off and the other kids followed him and just like that, the moment had passed.  But it was sweet and beautiful, and I hope the kids will remember that moment and the feelings they felt in the temple when they think back on this day.  I'm so thankful that we had the opportunity to walk through this amazing temple, to experience it as a family, and to feel the spirit there.  It was a touching reminder that it's because of ordinances that take place in buildings such as this one that my family can be together forever, and what an incredible blessing that is.