A Few Steps Into the Darkness

Ever since I served on the physical facilities committee for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house in 2009, I knew that I wanted to be a temple worker. Due to demands of employment, church calling, and family commitments, the time was not yet. Last year both my job and my church assignments changed and I was able to finally accept a call as both an ordinance worker and a temple organist.

Every Friday morning I arise at 4:45 so that I can arrive at the temple by 6:00 to begin my temple shift. It is the highlight of my week. I love the peace and joy and spirit that I feel in the temple. I love the patrons. I love my "temple family" and have gained so much insight and knowledge and love from the sisters with whom I work.

Just before school ended in May I was informed that because of budget constraints and need, I would be going back to my old job. That meant I would have to give up my temple shift. I was devastated!

For two months I stewed and cried and hoped that there had been a mistake. By the end of July I knew a decision had to be made. The problem was that I wanted to "have my cake and eat it, too." I turned to the scriptures, reading in 2 Corinthians the words of Paul ... "For we live by faith, not by sight." This simple yet profound counsel, coupled with President Packer's words, "Faith, to be faith, is walking to the edge of the light and taking a few steps into the darkness" helped me make my decision. Even after 16 wonderful years at the school, I knew that my much-needed paycheck couldn't make up for the blessings of temple service. So I resigned.

It was just two weeks later that my friend, Lori, sent me a text that one of the media aides had moved. I immediately contacted Todd (the principal) to verify the rumor. Within two days I had been interviewed and offered the job.

It may seem like a lucky happenstance to many, but I believe with all my heart that in order for me to both remain employed and keep my temple calling I was required to make the difficult decision, to step into the darkness.

Abused or Well-Used?

Today in church one of the speakers,

while counseling a recently called missionary to always say "yes" to playing the piano,

said this:

"I think that pianists in the church are abused."

 

I chuckled, agreeing whole-heartedly that once you are a known pianist,

you will be called upon continuously.

 

I received my first call to play the piano in Primary at the age of 13. I had barely graduated from Primary myself.

Since that time the opportunities have never ceased.

 

Upon further thought, however, I have to admit that I am not really abused, but "well-used."

 

I am grateful for my talent and ability to play the piano.

It has given me great happiness throughout my life

and has given me opportunities to serve and bring pleasure to others.

 

Yes ... I've played the piano for the Primary and the Relief Society and the Sunday School and Ward and Stake Choirs and musical performances and rendered solos and have accompanied a myriad of vocal soloists and groups, both spiritual and secular. I have played the organ at church and in the temple ... often when I felt that my skills were far inferior to the needs of the moment. I have practiced many hours to perfect an accompaniment so that my sour notes will not detract from the performance of the singer. I have performed solos in front of filled auditoriums with fear and trembling and cried with relief at its completion.

 

I imagine that as long as my fingers are able, my mind is clear

and I am given the opportunity,

I will continue to be "well-used"

and be thankful for it.