The Temple in the Fog An unusually heavy fog shrouded the Washington D.C. area one early winter morning. It was 7:00 a.m. – the height of rush hour traffic – and visibility was extremely poor. Enveloped in clouds of gray mist, I drove slowly and hesitantly down neighborhood streets, looking for familiar landmarks as a touchstone of reassurance. As I merged onto our congested Capitol Beltway and realized that I could see the traffic ahead quite clearly, I began to relax a bit. The trees, homes and retaining walls that ringed this highway were in focus, and the fog seemed to dissipate. Heading west, I looked for the Washington Temple – which stands as a majestic sentinel on the horizon. It was not visible. “Well,” I thought, “It’s still foggy. I’ll see it when I get a little closer.” I drove further, but it still was not visible. “Okay,” I reasoned, “I’ll see it for sure when I pass the next exit and go around the curve where it sits closest to the highway.” Yet again, it was not visible. Logical explanations tumbled through my mind. “The temple is white marble, so it blends with the fog.” That made sense. “Surely the gold spires will shine.” Of course – all I needed to do was look up. Craning my neck to peer out of the front windshield, I fully expected to see at least a glint of their brilliance. But no hint of the temple or its spires could be seen in the sullen sky. A strange and unsettled feeling came over me. The temple just couldn’t disappear! “I know as sure as I’m driving this car that the temple is there,” I thought, “but it’s as if God came, lifted it from the earth and took it away. There’s no sign that it’s here now, or that it ever was here. It’s as if it’s hidden behind a veil.” At that moment, a strong impression pressed upon my mind: That’s exactly how it is with the spirit world. It’s here – right here with us – but it is behind a veil and we can’t see it. All of our ancestors are there; actually, they are here – right with us – we just can’t see them. Peace flooded through me as I continued on my way. I never did view the temple that morning, but I did gain a broader view of eternity. As surely as I know that the temple is there, I know just as surely that my ancestors are here. I feel their spirits. They touch my heart. I love them. How Will Hearts Become Turned? When Moroni visited Joseph Smith on the night of September 23, 1823, he quoted the Old Testament prophet Malachi but modified verse 4:6 to read:
By Carol Kostakos Petranek
And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers; and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
The hearts of our fathers become turned after they have been taught and accept the teachings of the gospel. They then look to us with hope and anticipation that we will find them and ensure that their temple work is completed.
But how do the hearts of we – the children – become turned? What motivates us to set aside the time and resources to engage in the multi-step process of finding ancestors, documenting facts, clearing names and taking them to the temple?
That is what this new column will explore. It will not be a genealogy “how-to” or “should do.” Rather, it will be a “you too” – as in, you too can have spiritual guidance, personal inspiration, and uplifting experiences that will motivate, encourage and assist you in this work. Because this is a spiritual endeavor, we will publish personal accounts that relate spiritual experiences that may inspire you to begin – or remain – engaged in this work.
Elder Boyd K. Packer promises:
Members of the Church cannot touch this work without becoming affected spiritually. The spirit of Elijah permeates it. Many of the little intrusions into our lives, the little difficulties and the petty problems that beset us, are put into proper perspective when we view the linking of the generations for the eternities . So if you want the influence of dignity and wisdom and inspiration and spirituality to envelop your life, involve yourself in temple and genealogical work. 1
For me, moments such as the one described above are unexpected blessings that enrich my testimony and keep me motivated. I am a pioneer – the only member of the Church in my Greek ancestral family – and have been blessed with the Spirit of Elijah. Because of the time and effort I have put into this work, I have come to more fully understand my mission on earth and have felt the Lord’s hand in my life. I have a clearer understanding of “the big picture” and the deep love and caring concern that the Lord has for all of His children.
I find the research process to be a jumbled and exciting mix of frustration, elation, and revelation. The ensuing temple work brings me peace of mind, feelings of joy, and a deeper love for those who made it possible for me to experience mortality. Giving back to them some of my time and attention is the least I can do to express my appreciation for the sacrifices they made for me.
How has your heart been turned? Let’s inspire and encourage each other to be involved in some type of family history work.
- What gives you the incentive to be engaged in this work, or what would motivate you to become engaged?
- What words of encouragement or stories of inspiration can you share with our readers?
Family history is a journey – not a destination. Let’s journey together down paths of discovery and through fields of inspiration to our final destination – an eternal family united by ordinances of the temple.
Please consider sharing your comments and stories by submitting them to: [email protected].
1 Packer, Boyd K. The Holy Temple . Salt Lake City , Utah : Bookcraft: 1980; pages 224-5.
