Cover image via Gospel Media Library. 

At our last Stake Conference, I was astounded by a youth speaker named Macy Cope. She was just finishing her junior year in high school, but she shared a memory from 7th grade.

At that time, a Priest in her ward took whomever wanted to go, to the temple each Wednesday. Sometimes she could go, but without fail, he’d pull into the parking lot at 3:30 for anyone who needed a ride.  At the time it inspired her, and she recalled thinking that when she was able to drive, she wanted to be like him.

So, during Macy’s junior year, a friend of hers had set a New Years’ goal to attend the temple every week. At first Macy thought that sounded pretty challenging.    After all, when are kids busier than in their junior year? Between AP classes, sports, college applications, finals—it’s the “get it all done” year.

But she remembered how she felt in 7th grade. So she wrote down her goal, and on New Year’s Eve, she launched her plan. She made a group chat to anyone she thought might be interested, and now she is 17 weeks into the weekly temple idea.

Yes, sometimes it was harder to make it than others. Some weeks several people wanted to go, and other weeks, not so many. They’ve shown up an hour late to a reservation with wet hair, and with sunburns from a swim meet that ran late more than once. They drove to the Oakland temple when the Sacramento one was closed.

Sometimes they have 50 names each, which extends the visit for two hours. But Macy found she still had time for all her responsibilities. Haven’t we sometimes felt the Lord is stretching time for us when we sacrifice to obey?  This young girl has a firm testimony of the power that come with putting the Lord first.

Macy reminded us of Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” She is also inspired by the youth theme this year: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.

Many of us feel the tug to increase our temple attendance, but the adversary is right there to remind us how chaotic life is, and how jammed our schedule is. Soon we have good intentions but we fail at follow-through. I’m sure he reminds teenagers of all they have on their plate, as well. But here’s a group of teens who have triumphed over his tactics.

Macy reminded us of President Nelson’s urgings to make temple attendance a priority: “The gathering of Israel is the most important thing taking place on Earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, in importance, in majesty. And if you choose to, you can be a big part of it…. It will require some sacrifice on your part. It may even require some changes in your life. It will definitely take some of your time and energy and your God-given talents.”

She told us she not only feels the Spirit in the temple, but is able to keep that Spirit all week, and replenish it when she goes back. She’s less easily stressed or upset, and all her relationships have become stronger. She’s been blessed academically and feels as if her efforts have been multiplied. Her confidence has grown as she understands where her true value and worth come from.

This young woman has also had some of the “Aha!” moments in the temple that we all long for. Every time she’s been there without names of her own, a temple worker has given her names and told her it was perfect timing. On one occasion she was able to help an elderly man who had waited 20 years to baptize his grandparents. And she senses that these are not coincidences, but moments of divine design.

Like Macy, I’ve had similar experiences, when I know the person whose name I’m carrying is there, and is elated with the blessings. I’ve felt profound gratitude to play a part in these essential ordinances. I’ve also noticed a distinct change in my perspective about the many challenges that come into all our lives. I see them in a wider, more eternal perspective. I can process problems much more easily, and have felt truly inspired about concerns I bring to the temple. Many of you could attest to the same thing.

I’ve also experienced the miracle of time stretching, of being able to do everything I have to, if I put God’s work first. And I’m humbled to realize that this new generation understands the power and glory of it all far better than my peers and I did at that age. What magnificent examples they are for us all. There is simply no end to the blessings we can receive when we are serving the Lord and His children.

(Story used with permission)

Joni Hilton is an LDS author, Seminary teacher, and shares life hacks at http://bit.ly/YourYouTubeMom.