Pat's Ponderings

It has been a really long time since I have done an installment of my ponderings. I wonder what that says about me. Either I haven't been spending much time pondering, or I just haven't had time to put my ponderings down in the written form. Let's go with the later option as it makes me look better. I am sure that it is inconceivable that I would be too busy and stressed to ponder.

Here is the situation. I have been working 2 - 3 days a week since Halloween. Surprisingly enough, there were things I accomplished when I was not working. Who knew? Things around here are looking a bit neglected. And I have noticed that sadly feeding my spiritual self has been neglected as well. My scripture reading has been sporadic and mostly related to teaching gospel doctrine. My prayers are often more of memo, rather than a lengthy conversation with the Lord. The result and no surprise, I feel spiritually weakened.

Last week I had a day off. An unscheduled day that has been far and few in number in the past month. I wondered what to do with such a precious thing. As I was helping Diana get ready to go to a special tutoring program that starts at 7:30, it came to me that I should go to the temple.

Yes, the temple, where I could feast in the presence of the Lord. Where I could get away from the clamour of daily living. Surely my empty bucket could be filled in the house of the Lord.

I threw on a dress and hurried Diana along. Grabbing my suitcase and recommend, I dashed out the door.

Traffic was not good at that time of day. Impatiently, I followed the cars ahead of me. Down Rainbow, up the 95, exit at Charleston, and over to Bonanza. Slowing for school zones that are not usually in effect when I go later. Bottom line it was not the quickest time I have made getting there.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised to see not very many other cars. I thought to myself, hmmm not many people go to the temple this early. Then it dawned on me, all the cars were trucks with business logos on the side. Wait, I think I remember hearing something at church about the Temple being closed for maintenance.

Dang. No feasting, no peace, no filling of my bucket. I turned around and made my way home. I know just how the foolish virgins felt. I should have gone to the temple the week before. Some of my friends and family told me I would still be blessed for my efforts. I suppose it is true that the desire of my heart would be known by the Lord. But still I couldn't help feeling that I could have made different choices.

I was back home by 8:45. All my kids at school and nothing on the schedule, I went back to bed. What else was there to do?