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.