A Fun Sharing Experience

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As you might expect, at this time I am in the middle of preparing for our stake conference on January 15,16. One morning last week I was awakened earlier than usual and felt prompted to share a recent experience with you in this email.

In the days leading up to Christmas, several coworkers and I gathered for a special group lunch on the last workday prior to Christmas. Because many of my friends are from other countries, I am always interested in hearing about their customs and Christmas traditions. So as part of the lunch conversation, I asked each person in the group to share their favorite Christmas traditions.

As each one took a turn, it was fun to compare the differences and similarities. I could see in their eyes and their expressions, they were sharing beloved traditions that brought warm remembrances of days gone by. As I was finishing talking about my favorite family traditions, the conversation turned to the beautiful Christmas decorations downtown at Temple Square and the fact that I am a member of the church. All who had seen the decorations spoke admiringly and complimented me for their beauty. One person mentioned her experience with the missionaries who had given her a tour in her language. Another friend teased me saying, he was hoping I could help him “get inside” the beautiful temple.

We all laughed a bit at his teasing, but then a thought struck me, and I said, “You can go inside the temple!”

Everyone stopped laughing and looked at me surprised. “We can? How?”

I briefly explained that before a temple is dedicated, they hold what is called an Open House and people can go inside for tours. I promised them that before the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple and the Taylorsville Temple I would take any of them inside. Every single person said they would love to have a chance to do that.

“What a beautiful experience”, I said to myself.

But the Lord wasn’t done yet…

As we finished eating and prepared to go back to work, one lady in the group who I did not know as well as the others spoke up, “What I really want to do is go inside that building downtown where you can find your ancestors!” “Do I have to be a member of your church to go inside there?”

I was a little caught off guard by the fervency of her statement. But, I told her anyone who wants to learn more about their family can go there, and I asked if she would like to go sometime with Shirleen and me. She lit up, and said she would love to! I also told her I would come back on another lunch break to show her how she can look for ancestors on the computer.

I left that lunch a bit surprised by what had just happened. These friends had a high level of genuine interest not only in understanding more about temples but in tracing their family history as well.

I am absolutely NOT an expert in Temple and Family History work, but I didn’t have to be to have this conversation and to share the little bit that I know. I’m confident there are ways to get the answers I need to help them. There was no fear, no guilt, no anxiety…just genuine interest and excitement.

As the saying goes…”Who’d have thunk it?”

Well, this small experience helped me understand even more that Temple and Family History work is one great way we can share our faith with friends.

What experiences have you had? I would love to hear them.

In my stake conference talk, I may expand a bit on this theme. Until then, I look forward to hearing your experiences.

I love you all!

I know our Father in Heaven is guiding this marvelous work. I know He is guiding our leaders. I know He is guiding me. I’m grateful for Temple ordinances and our privilege to focus on this great work in 2022. May we each allow the Lord to change our life trajectory through it.

I love you all! Have a great week!

President Gardner

P.S. The next time you go to the temple...don’t forget to snap a photo and send it to me…:) It is not too late.

jeffgardner10@gmail.com

801-783-6381

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