Among Friends

I’ve always been a regular temple attender. I’m not trying to give myself heirs, but I have just always been fortunate enough to live within driving distance of a temple and I feel I might as well take advantage since I may not always have that opportunity. (For more about LDS temples, visit here.)

My first experience at the temple was in Logan, Utah a little over 7 years ago. That will always be my favorite temple. I lived ten minutes away. It sat on a hill and its radiance permeated the entire Cache Valley. You could see it for miles. I've never more greatly appreciated the beauty of a building.

In Texas, I was only about 35 or 40 minutes away. From pictures, I really wasn’t sure I’d love the Dallas temple. But pictures don’t do it justice. I found I really loved its unusual (or maybe just 1980’s) architecture. It was beautiful as were its grounds.

But there is something about the Columbus temple for me. I attended last night with my good friend Abbey. She attended the temple for the first time while I was in Texas and we’ve never been together. Not only did I have a great time both in and out of the temple with Abbey, but I also loved being in the Columbus temple again. While it is of course beautiful, it’s not really on my list of favorites for its beauty.

It’s a small temple. And by small, I mean really small. Smaller than most small temples. It was one of the first smaller temples built. There is something warm and welcoming about such a small temple. Quite often, the temple workers know you by name and vice versa. They are there with such a cheerful greeting and warm goodbye. And so appreciative of the time you spend there.

I suppose it’s hard to really describe. I of course feel welcome at any temple. I loved attending the Dallas temple when I could show up at any time of day without an appointment and know I could participate in the glorious work there. But with so many temple workers and so many jobs for them to do spread out through a bigger building, you just don’t run into the same people from week to week. In Columbus, there are only so many sessions per week where you have to schedule an appointment. You can guarantee the same people will be there. It seems so personal and cozy. You always feel like you’re there among friends.

It was so good to be back last night. The Dallas temple was closed for cleaning shortly before we left. Then I was all consumed with the move. It’s been 6-7 weeks since I’ve attended and I’m pretty sure that’s my longest drought since I’ve been a temple attending girl. I've been missing that in my life.

Among my other favorite temples:

San Diego (not only were Spencer and I married here, but this is the first temple I’ve ever been inside…an open house when I was a little girl.)

And Manti...though it's quite similar to Logan. There is beauty with age.

Anyone else have their favorites?