Gathering – Part 2
After months of planning by a few of our wonderful senior couples from the Belgium Netherlands Mission, the day finally arrived.
And what a day it was!
More than 100 of our former missionaries gathered at the Jordan River Utah Temple for a temple session in Dutch. Temple moments are always special, but somehow this one felt extra special.
As we sat reverently waiting for the session to begin, I suddenly noticed lots of little “finger hearts” being pointed in my direction from around the room.
My heart felt as if it might burst. And for just a few seconds, one simple thought came into my mind: “Am I in heaven?”
It was one of those moments when I just wanted time to stop.
My heart was completely full, overflowing with love and tears came easily. I arose form my seat and went to find some tissues!
From the temple, we travelled to a nearby chapel where more than 200 missionaries, family and friends gathered again that evening.
And what a gathering that was.
Food, music, stories, laughter, tears, hugs, more stories, plenty of reminiscing and photo opportunities galore.
Many had travelled hundreds, some even thousands of miles, who’d served together a few years ago, were suddenly back together again as if very little time had passed at all.
There was so much joy in the room.
It was one of those evenings that I suspect we will all remember for a very, very long time.
The following day, Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared these words at General Conference: “Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment of love. Love is the centrepiece of His gospel and the essence of being like Him.”
Those words captured beautifully what I had been feeling.
There was certainly an abundance of love for one another in that temple and in that chapel. But I also think it was magnified by something much, much deeper.
We were gathered together because of a shared love for our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Different lives. Different countries. Different journeys since our mission days.
Yet still connected by something that remains very precious to us all.
For one evening, and perhaps for those few moments in the temple too, it really did feel just a little bit like heaven.
Gathering – What a beautiful thing it can be.
What gatherings in your life have left your heart especially full?
