a day at the temple

last saturday our ward planned a trip to the manti temple, which is about an hour and a half away from us, by car that is. i don't know how far it is as the crow flies.

but anyway.

we have a temple here in provo, but it is fun to get out every once in awhile and see temples that we don't usually get to see.

here's the thing: whenever i think about going to the temple, i think of a million reasons why i shouldn't. for saturday, i was worried about losing a whole day of prospective homework time. then i was worried that it would be snowing as we drove down there and we would die in a tragic black ice accident on the way to the temple. then i was worried that i would drive down with lame people and i wouldn't have any fun (because that's the point of all ward activities, right?)

however, once again i learned that everything works out when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. i needed to go to the temple that day, and everything worked out so smoothly so that could happen. i ended up in a carful of great people and we listened to a diverse and inspiring playlist on the way there and back, culminating in a headbanging rendition of bohemian rhapsody that i will remember for a long time. the weather was great, we got there safely, and we were greeted in manti by this sight:

courtesy of lds.org

i had only been to the manti temple once before to see the mormon miracle pageant for a youth conference. it was amazing then, but it was even better to go inside. i love the temple, and i get so wrapped up in the craziness of life that i forget that i need the peace that the temple brings me. good choice all around.

when everyone emerged from the temple, we headed over to the local institute building for a sub sandwich lunch. can i just say that i love walmart subs? new favorite thing from walmart. they provide really good condiments, the meats are good, it's just good. we sat around and ate and talked about books and movies and blogs and school and professors (who shall remain nameless) and it was great to chat with old friends as well as new ones.

whenever i don't go to an activity, i always try to tell myself that i probably didn't miss that much. but i don't know if i believe that anymore. i am really glad i went on saturday, and, even though i didn't do any homework during the day, i still got everything done that i needed to. and i still had fun that night, listening to karaoke, worrying about an appendix, and tim-tam-slamming it with carolyn.

moral of the story, for me at least: go to the temple.