Provo City Center Temple Open House

We went to the Provo City Center Temple Open House today with one of our great friends Jana Harris. Both our husbands couldn't make it because of work, so we both took our kids and had such a great time. I learned something interesting today. And possibly a tender mercy from the Lord. First of all, I didn't think standing in line underground in a parking lot waiting our turn to tour the Temple, could bring on a spiritual experience. But it did. Jana hadn't met up with us yet, so I was already standing in line hoping she would catch up to us soon. I was a little nervous because Ali was being a typical 2 year old and wanting down and walking in front of anyone in front of us and climbing on the path posts and messing with the chains linking the posts together. I was getting a little frustrated and she would throw an absolute fit if I even picked her up or tried to hold her hand. Eventually I bribed her with candy (I know... Mom fail and I shouldn't have done that, but I just wanted her to be good and cooperate during this fun, exciting and special time. That's when I heard someone yell. Or scream, it all sounded the same. It kind of scared me a bit not knowing where it came from and such. I happened to look up and see an older couple (well, not that old, but maybe in their late 40's or early 50's), pushing a wheelchair of what appeared to be their son. He was severely handicapped and would randomly yell and fling his arms out almost hitting the people in line. The dad was trying to hold his hands down and push him at the same time and the wife would put her hands over his mouth or gently on his head when he would yell out. Jane stood not taking her eyes off him until I had to pick her up to keep moving in line. She looked at me and had a scared look on her face and her eyes began to water. She asked me what was going on with that person and why they were putting their hands on his mouth and head. I tried to be quiet about it and began to tell her that some people are born with diseases or disabilities or sicknesses. Their brain's do not work like ours and sometimes it causes them to yell or make different arm movements, but we don't stare at them and we still love them because Heavenly Father loves them just the same as you and I. And that he was probably a very wonderful boy in Heaven. She understood and didn't ask anything else. As I stood there a thought came into my mind. A tender mercy, that I hope to never forget. I actually apologized to Heavenly Father for ever asking to help Ali or Jane behave. (where ever we were, store, someone's home, church). Lately I have thought I have it so hard and I can't go anywhere with them without making a scene from a screaming child or one who doesn't listen.  How can I keep doing it and not give up. Then when I saw that couple with they boy in the wheelchair, I thought "I guess I don't have it bad after all. There are others who have it so much worse than I do and I'm sure its so hard for them to take him places with them. I felt so bad for them and had a slight idea of how they must have felt." Then I began to contemplate our Preexistence , and What I've heard before that those with major disabilities were some of the righteous and noblest people before in the Preexistence. That made me love the boy and father and mother even more. They are taking on a great task and I'm sure they get tired very easily. But It was such a testimony builder to me and I'm grateful those people were there to be an example and a light unto me.

 This Is a Chickering Piano here too in the Provo Temple.  I love it so much I just wanted to play on it also.