Angels on Both Sides of the Veil

We took our Young Women to the Logan temple for baptisms and an overnight at Bear Lake.

There was a sweet spirit in the Logan temple. The workers seemed relaxed, easily managed a big group and were so welcoming.

While we were waiting our turn, one worker spoke to everyone in the waiting area testifying of the importance of temple work and encouraging us to write down our thoughts and impressions immediately after leaving. He promised that these written words would help strengthen our own testimonies or plant the seeds to start them growing. 

On the way up in the car it was just me and two other leaders. 

We talked about how angels were watching over us and we had no idea at how often we were protected from danger or disaster.

I shared how in Lake Powell, the houseboat generator quit working.

Eric had the idea to spray some starter fluid on it. Dan agreed it seemed like a good idea.

They did and it worked. Fantastic.

Later during dinner Eric's boat partner got back to him about the generator. Eric told him about the starter fluid but instead of being excited, the partner (a mechanic) said to not ever do that again. 

With the engine running, it could have easily caused an explosion.

As we talked at dinner we wondered at how often angels protected us. They saved us from explosions and we had no idea. Just went about our merry way. While we were happily eating dinner, we were somewhat oblivious at how tragic things could have actually been that hour.

While in the temple, I thought of the angels watching over us.

I had a revelatory moment that we to were saving the angels.

They protected us.

But we were also doing a saving work for people on the other side of the veil.

By doing baptisms and other temple work, we were offering them ordinances with 

eternal benefits that they can't do for themselves. We were saving eternal lives.

Yet we are somewhat oblivious to the powerful eternal blessings and probable gratitude

of those on the other side. We go to the temple for a spiritual activity that's also kind of fun.

I don't think we grasp the emotional feeling of the significance and importance

 of the work we're doing for those that receive it. 

We stayed up with the girls until 3:00 a.m. talking, eating s'mores at the campfire, playing card games, making friendship bracelets and playing psychiatrist and Black Magic.

I slept on the floor in a sleeping bag and got up at 8:30 to drive home in time to help Nick get ready for Jamboree, and loved every minute of it.