I recently had a personal experience serving my family at the temple. I had planned to do an endowment session and was hustling to be there on time. I wasn’t really planning on doing anyone’s work, in particular, as I am a convert and always have so many ordinances to get done.

When I walked through the temple doors, I heard, in my mind, the voice of someone calling, “Ida Mae, Ida Mae.” I thought who’s Ida Mae? Passing it off and hustling to be on time, I quickly changed and headed out of the dressing room. Then realized I needed a family name card. I quickly opened my family envelope to grab a female endowment. The first name on top was “Ida Mae Simpson.” I finally stopped and recognized I was having a tender mercy and was being introduced to a family member so anxious for the ordinances to be performed for her. I could clearly feel her presence and joy as she was given the gift of the endowment and, especially, as she was being introduced at the veil. I was so overcome with emotion as if I was her.

These are very private and sacred experiences. However, it is important that we never lose sight of the sacred work we are doing in the temple. We so often go for the filling of our own cup, and so often forget how dear and precious these relatives are. They are watching over us and pleading we take the time to attend the temple regularly to complete their work.

– Penni Frew, Granite View Stake