I feel like we live in a time that our predecessors in the church could have hardly imagined. Not only are there temples dotting the globe, but around here we have numerous temples within just a few minutes’ drive. We have unprecedented access to these temples and can visit as often as we’d like. To all those saints who sacrificed to see just one temple built only to leave it behind after only a short time, this must seem to be a miraculous age.
As for us, you might think that being surrounded by temples would make the announcement or building of a new one become just an everyday occurrence. But for me, that is far from the truth. Every time a new batch of temples is announced, I get a bit teary eyed. It is evidence of the fact that the work is accelerating. Each new temple allows access to saints that might have been severely hampered by distance or cost in the past. And although the work done in the temples is the same work around the world, each temple has its own distinct design. Even in cases where architectural plans are used for more than one temple, the décor and landscaping of each temple makes it unique. Which is why I look forward to seeing each temple.
The Saratoga Springs temple has been recently completed and the open house is running right now. We had the opportunity to walk through the temple this morning and it was absolutely beautiful. Many temples are decorated in a variety of white or ivory colors accented with pale hues of peach or gold. But this temple is highlighted with purple and green. The spectacular view from the main entrance of the temple overlooks Utah lake and the Wasatch mountains, Mount Timpanogos in particular. The design of the stained glass echoes the location with designs of mountains, water, and reeds in purple, blue and green. The armchairs in the Celestial Room are upholstered in purple velvet, something that stood out to me. The color scheme is reflected in the landscaping which features lilacs.
Another thing I loved about this temple is the artwork. There were several pieces that I had never seen before that really struck a chord with me. Sometimes an image can evoke emotion and there were several that did just that. I know the art in the temples is selected with care and this is not the first time that a piece of art has drawn such emotion from me that I have to stop and soak it all in. It was a bit hard to soak it all in with so many people behind us trying to continue the tour, but I did the best I could to take a minute to let the emotion instill itself in my heart.
How grateful I am to have so many temples so close! And how very grateful I am to have the blessings of the temple ordinances in my life! And how grateful I am to have been able to see this new temple with my family. Daniel and Nathan weren’t able to join us, but Rex and Lona came and that was fantastic. Matthew was so excited to be able to see parts of the temple that he can’t visit yet, and Malia felt the Spirit that is already residing in the temple although it is not dedicated yet.
It was a good day. A wonderful experience. I can hardly wait for the next open house we will attend, which should be the Taylorsville Temple!
