Jan 26th, 2014, 4:15pm Manila Stake Center, north of the Mt. Timpanogas Temple
We got here early and we were too late. A full 45 minutes before the planned start time we found ourselves craning our necks in the back row, hundreds of people in front of us. Temple workers have a natural aura about them, they inherently know to be quiet. A room 1/4 of this size would have been heard from the sidewalk, a proven fact every time I walk into sacrament meeting each Sunday, yet almost 1000 people sit in near silence as we anticipate the arrival of one of the Lord's anointed.
I have my own opinion about Jeffrey R Holland, one I am sure many others share. He is young, vibrant, and opinionated, and he's not afraid to stand up for what he knows to be true. He's not overbearing though, and has a way of being blunt without being offensive. In today's world of social media overshare he fits right in, courageous in his testimony and demanding in his pleas to us. I personally see him being increasingly influential in the leadership of the church, and should The Lord call him, he would make a powerful prophet not unlike Gordon B Hinkley.
So here we are, snacking on leftover pretzels and M&M candy, staring at the low resolution image cast by the projector mounted to a tripod near the half court line. Looking forward to his arrival and the spirit we'll feel.
People are standing up randomly. We're not sure if they can see something we can't or if they simply want to let the bold flow back into their numb-bums, but it's interesting to see them standing, waiting in silence. My beautiful wife keeps pulling snacks out of her purse, a perfect way for the two of us to pass the time as we wait for the meeting to start. I can't quite feel my behind, maybe I should stand too...
A soft buzz accompanied by the standing of those who weren't already let me know that he had arrived. True to the style of the temple, we sat in silence, the organ softly playing "Beatiful Savior" to let the spirit soak into our hearts and set the tone of the meeting. The silence is fantastic and as president Cole stands his soft voice echos across the PA system, opening the meeting with small announcements and the traditional nods to leadership and those providing the music.
The group sings "Come Follow Me" and the blend is more wonderful than any choir I have heard, full of humility and silent power. This group is truly some of the Lord's elect, trained in his holy house to serve the community and bring to pass his purposes here in these latter days. The spirit touches my heart as we sing "...but when we're free from present cares..." and I reflect on the struggles that so many work to overcome and how one day we'll find rest in His arms.
David Osmond stands to sing a rendition of "oh Come All Ye Faithful," a stirring rendition that has hints of holiday but a strong reverent tone that solidifies the knowledge that this song is more than a mere carol. His delivery is soulful and powerful, and the accompaniment is no less praiseworthy.
President Reynolds stands to introduce Elder Holland, and his voice is as familiar to me as any general authority. He makes a few jokes and the audience smiles and laughs quietly and reverently. He reads off an impressive list of Elder Holland's accomplishments, and between talking points he shares his own personal stories of a long time relationship.
Elder Holland has finally taken the stand and seeing him in such a casual setting, a stake center pulpit rather than the podium of the conference center. He makes a few jokes to lighten the mood and the crowd laughs jovially before settling down to his humble storytelling.
"A written text is safer" he tells us, revealing that he plans to "talk to us" instead. He specifically tells us that he would prefer that we were within the walls of the temple, where we could speak frankly. He requests our discretion and asks us not to record his words tonight, to keep his comments sacred. "Think of the lessons we learn within the temple" he said, and called us to reflect on the instruction we are given as we receive our endowment. He recounts blessings tied to our free agency, and expunds on how that gift is one of the greatest we have been given in this life. It truly is, and the more I personally learn about this life and the one to come the more glorious that principle becomes in my mind. We are limited in our discussion by the sacredness of the topic, and his request not to record it limits me even more, but his testimony is strong and his witness is pure, solidified by the spirit that entered our hearts as he spoke. You can hear his love for the Savior in his voice, and it's an example for me on how I might live my life now, changing myself to be ever closer to He who sacrificed all that I might return once again to the house of my father.
I know that our Savior loves us, that he is a real person who takes an active role in the lives of those who let Him in. I am grateful for his servants on my behalf, and especially for the temple, the wonderful holy edifice that stands so close to my home, testifying in its majesty that God has an everlasting love for us and will exalt us on high when we keep his commandments and make those sacred covenants with Him. "Welcome to the temple" Elder Holland closes, exhorting us once more to keep ourselves clean. "We're not perfect but we need to be committed to wanting to be."
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