In our church you are able to obtain a recommend to attend the temple to perform baptisms for the dead when you are 12. M will be 12 in June, but there was another huge announcement that said she would be able to go starting at the beginning of the calendar year. Total shock for Mom and Dad.
So after getting her recommend, her good Friend since preschool invited her to the Draper temple. M was so excited to go. It was fun to watch her anticipate the day. My Sister watched the boys (Thank you!) and Steve, M, and I headed to Draper. The temple was crazy busy. A member of the Temple Presidency met with them and discussed the importance of baptisms as one of the first ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He talked about the service it provides to those who have died without hearing the gospel and allows them to use their agency and choose to accept (or not) the baptism in their behalf. He asked about the twelve oxen the font rests on and M told him it represented the 12 tribes of Israel. He asked if the girls knew anyone who belonged to any of the tribes. They didn't and he explained that we all belong. Listening to M answer the questions was tender. It was a perfectly lovely evening and very surreal for us. When did our Baby grow up?
Truth: Steve and I went back and forth about her going with her friend for the first time. Selfishly we wanted it to be a family thing, but ultimately we left the decision up to her and are thrilled she is choosing friends that encourage her toward good things. I feel I should also mention that we teach our kids to look for people who will bring out the best in themselves and others. M's current bestie doesn't attend any church and they are darling together. Be kind, people.
So after getting her recommend, her good Friend since preschool invited her to the Draper temple. M was so excited to go. It was fun to watch her anticipate the day. My Sister watched the boys (Thank you!) and Steve, M, and I headed to Draper. The temple was crazy busy. A member of the Temple Presidency met with them and discussed the importance of baptisms as one of the first ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He talked about the service it provides to those who have died without hearing the gospel and allows them to use their agency and choose to accept (or not) the baptism in their behalf. He asked about the twelve oxen the font rests on and M told him it represented the 12 tribes of Israel. He asked if the girls knew anyone who belonged to any of the tribes. They didn't and he explained that we all belong. Listening to M answer the questions was tender. It was a perfectly lovely evening and very surreal for us. When did our Baby grow up?
Truth: Steve and I went back and forth about her going with her friend for the first time. Selfishly we wanted it to be a family thing, but ultimately we left the decision up to her and are thrilled she is choosing friends that encourage her toward good things. I feel I should also mention that we teach our kids to look for people who will bring out the best in themselves and others. M's current bestie doesn't attend any church and they are darling together. Be kind, people.
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