Staycation- Day 2

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Open House

When her sparkling-eyed requests to accompany us

to the temple became more frequent than

our actual visits there,
we were grateful for a local open house

with which to satisfy her curiosity

So on a hot and windy morning, we hastened together,

enjoying their excitement expressed in tactile wonderment

she carefully folding down a chair and taking a seat

in the ordinance room as if it were her own home

and recognizing the peace of the cozy chapel

he making sure to touch each railing, table and chair top;

caressing the varying textures of wood, marble, even glass,

as if understanding and savoring the craftsmanship

and We, after glimpsing ourselves in eternal mirrors,

sensed their restlessness and so ushered them
quickly (and lovingly) through the bride's room

where we all smiled when she innocently asked

"where are the princesses, mom?"

Struck by the serendipity of our visit the day before Pioneer day,
I was filled with gratitude for the many sacrifices
that brought the gospel and the temple to this valley,
and the sealing blessings that bind our family eternally.

"I was so happy to be there," Laila said

Indeed, so was I

"I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." (Matthew 16:19)