An Invitation to Be in the Temple

They were looking for volunteers to clean the Denver temple. It would be from 9:00pm to 11:00pm on a Thursday night.

“Oh man… that’s late for me since I have an early meeting the next morning,” I thought.

Someone spoke up and said, “If you’ve never done it before, you should do it. It’s a great experience.”

I could see that—in the temple after hours with just a few other people around would be quiet and peaceful. Before I knew it, I raised my hand. I would figure out my sleep schedule later.

What a Vacuum Can Stir Up

This was a first for me. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I was assigned vacuuming. I didn’t really think that would yield an amazing experience, but it ended up being sweet and tender as memories flooded my mind.

I vacuumed the chapel. I thought of the many times I had waited there—quiet and pensive—retreating from the world and preparing my mind to be more focused on the things of heaven.

Next, I moved to the foyer. Elle always seems to be waiting for me there. I don’t know how she changes so fast 😊, but she is always there . . . waiting. She’s good that way.

The baptistry reminded me of my boys—Luke, Sam, and Jack—performing ordinances reverently. All of the young men and seminary students I have served also came to mind (shout out to you all—you know who you are!). Here they would wait to faithfully complete work for their deceased ancestors (see 1 Corinthians 15:29).

In the office of the temple president, I had sat with Sam as he received final instruction before receiving his endowment prior to heading out as a fulltime missionary (see D&C 109:22-23).

The waiting room was where I sat with Michael before he received his endowment prior to his mission. Just Michael, his friend, and me. COVID was raging, and we would be the only three in that endowment session.

I smiled as I cleaned the entryway and remembered Emma and Adam as they exited the temple, where grandparents, parents, siblings, and loved ones cheered for them on their special day when they were sealed as a couple for time and all eternity (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:2).

This temple has really become special to me. Until I spent time alone vacuuming these rooms, I hadn’t fully realized just how special; this place is the source of so much joy shared with those I love.

Tethered Between Heaven and Earth

A few weeks later, Elle and I went to clean again—this time just the chandeliers in and around the celestial room.

I’ve never had such a close look at a chandelier.

As I studied it, a thought occurred to me: chandeliers are only magnificent because they are tethered to the ceiling above. Without that simple anchor, they would crash to the ground below.

In a similar way, the temple is our connection between heaven and earth.

As we spend mortality on earth, the purpose of this life is only achieved if we stretch ourselves toward and are tethered to heaven. That pull between heaven and earth—the pull between Christlike character and the natural man—is epitomized as we order our lives in a way that allows us to be in the temple.

There is a symbol often used in temple architecture that demonstrates this idea. It is subtle but especially meaningful.

The Meaning of the Squared Circle

The squared circle is featured on the outside of many temples.

The square represents earth—the four corners of the earth represented by each point of the square. The circle represents heaven—eternity represented by an infinite circle. Together, this symbol stands as the connection between God and man.

“It reminds us of our purpose—to meet with God in His holy house—and that human beings are mortal with the potential to become divine if they join with God through ‘at-one-ment’ and covenants.”¹

Making What Matters Eternal

This is what the temple is all about–taking the connections we prize and esteem here and now and making them eternal. “The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”²

I am grateful for this connection between heaven and earth.

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Lead image generated by Gemini AI

1. see “4 Symbols to Watch for the Next Time You’re Outside a Temple“, LDS Living, January 30, 2017
2. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World“

P.S. For more on the symbolism of the squared circle, check out this video: