I have found that one of the biggest challenges of the pandemic, for me, has been not being able to attend the temple. As I look at my stack of ordinance cards and consider the many ordinances that are still incomplete, I have wondered when I will be able to enter the temple and do this needed work.

In a YouTube video featuring Dale G. Renlund, he shares his experiences and gives us hope and counsel concerning the reopening of our temples. Elder Renlund also gave us a powerful insight into the phased reopening of temples. In the video he says, “The care and concern that the Savior has poured out in terms of thinking through how we will open, where we can open, and what needs to be in place to open, just lets me know that He’s in charge.”

The Church released another video about temples called “Temples Through Time.” The video includes quotes from Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and thoughts from scholars, ministers, people of various faiths, and members.

Elder Bednar talks about when the temples are opened again. This will indeed be a joyful time. We will appreciate being able to attend the temple even more after not being able to attend for this period of time.

Meanwhile, as we prepare ourselves spiritually, and are faithfully engaged in family history work, as we prepare the names of our ancestors and loved ones to have their temple work done, we will be blessed.

–Elaine Hardman