My Path to the Temple - Part 1

I think this is pretty much common knowledge, but: I'M GETTING ENDOWED!
Answer to the FAQ's:

1. Are you engaged? No.
2. Are you going on a mission? No.
3. Are you 25 or over? No.

So, if I am in none of those situations, why and how did I get myself in this situation where for the rest of my life and eternity, I will be under sacred covenants with God? In this blog post, I hope to answer that question, not just because I love telling stories, but also because hopefully this will help others who are either preparing for or considering going through the temple.

My dad loves the temple and last summer (2014 in Calgary) he said I should prepare to receive my endowment. I thought he was just looking for someone to make him company in the temple. I mean, I did remember when I was considering serving a mission and my brother-in-law taught me temple prep that I really felt the spirit and the desire to go, and also when I attended the Calgary temple open house and how much I wanted to receive my endowment there, but I didn't feel qualified. I was worthy and all, but I just wasn't ready. I had so many friends "scare me off" from going there saying how much they freaked out and that it was cultish and weird (some even said funny), or that their testimonies were shaken. 

I didn't want that to happen to me; I wanted my first endowment session to be special, and to feel the spirit and close to God. Endowed people patronize me a lot saying you'll never get it the first time, which I know. But I want to at least feel the spirit instead of fear... that's NOT too much to ask for. So as much as I was worthy to attend the temple, I didn't think I was ready and didn't want to risk freaking out. As much as I've never really broken any of my baptismal covenants, I was scared to make bigger covenants. Because, you're judged based on your knowledge -- so the less knowledge and covenants under my belt, the less I'd be judged against. I did want to do it someday eventually, just not for a while. So I studied and prepared for it, but with no set date in mind.

Lesson #1 learned: When confronted by a fear, don't hide from it or avoid it -- face it. Prepare yourself to fight it off. See it as a challenge for spiritual development!

Then I was renewing my temple recommend with my branch President. Have you ever had that moment where the spirit hacks your mouth? Well, that happened to me. I randomly blurted out, "President, do you think I'm ready to receive my endowment?" In my head I was like "the heck did I just ask?"

With no hesitation or thinking for a split-second he answered, "Absolutely."

My confusion was passed from my question to his answer, "You don't think I'll freak out or the covenants are too big for 22-year old single me, not going on a mission?"

He said he watched me grow spiritually and believed I was ready and that I'd enjoy the session, and explained some things about the temple.

We agreed that I'd take temple prep classes first. Since I was moving to Toronto, I figured I'd take it there, get my recommend here, then get endowed whenever my dad was able to come back to Canada from Saudi Arabia, which I was hoping wouldn't be til February.

I got home and told my dad everything, but I was still not feeling ready for those covenants. He told me I can't progress without covenants, and that I should see those sacred promises as a blessing and opportunity to grow closer to my potential. 

Then the next Sunday I was like "Meh, I don't wanna wear garments or have the extra responsibility if I can just wait until I get sealed (which let's face it, won't be for a WHILE)!"

That evening the YSA had a fireside with the Calgary Temple President. Guess what the topic was? Hesitation to make covenants! It answered every single one of my questions and doubts, and the spirit was incredibly strong. I knew it was because the Lord really needed me in the temple. My hesitation instantly turned into an urge.

After the fireside I had to drive someone home, and she lived right by the temple. After I dropped her off, I drove by the temple. I was breathtaken by its beauty and its glory. I pulled over just to stare at it for a good five minutes and the spirit was incredibly strong and I began tearing up and I just KNEW I had to be in the temple as soon as I could. More importantly, I wanted to go so badly.

Upon leaving for Toronto, my dad gave me a blessing where he confirmed that it was the Lord's desire and plan that I prepared to receive my endowment.

Lesson #2 Learned: Note how I made the decision before having the confirmation? Had I not opened my heart to the spirit, I would've never had the prompting and consequently made that decision. God doesn't move parked cars! I had to study and prepare first, then ask my Branch President that question, I had to attend the fireside, I had to stop by the temple. THEN God acted.

To be continued....