One night I stood outside the temple gates
And waited for the friends who were inside.
I waited quite a time,
And in those moments, I saw and pondered many things.
I looked upon the solid, stately walls
Which separate Temple Square and set it from the world apart
Then upward to the lighted spires
And upward until my eyes rested upon that grandest
Pinnacle, atop which stands that glorious likeness
Of the angel Moroni.
Above, the sky was black in contrast,
Filled with glimmering stars.
Upon the street were many a hurried footstep,
Couples, arms entwined, or holding hands,
Walked forth in eagerness, faces alight with purpose,
To enter, and be welcomed through the gate.
Groups of every age, hurrying, intent on the joyous task at hand
Poured through the gate.
A bride, carrying a bouffant wedding dress,
Careful lest it be crushed, made her exit from those doors;
The realization of her dreams written upon her face.
Her husband beside her,
Their parents close at hand.
Young and old, I though, here are the faithful.
Then I saw my own dear friends approach,
Faces alight with the inspiration they had felt within
Those walls, of the worthwhile accomplished,
Buoyed up and generated by covenants renewed.
Eyes shining from the burning of the Spirit within.
Out of the heavy doors they came, down the path
To the outside world, carrying the essence of heaven with them.
I was alone.
I alone had waited outside that night.
With the waiting, the seeing, the feeling, came a clear
Realization of how my own choice had placed me there.
Of how, those years ago, I thought that love
Could win the desires of my heart and soul, without a doubt.
Now only God could know the yearning of my soul.
My love of husband even stronger now,
And with three children ours to love and guide.
I knew the truth: True love cannot be fulfilled
That does not encompass the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On, then, to dinner with the friends for whom I’d waited.
To sit about the table and hear their conversation,
Feel the strength they had derived from their loving service
For the dead.
See the emotion and almost into the souls of the
Family who had been sealed that very day.
Onward, then, with new resolve and courage
I must go.
Twelve years have passed since my wedding day,
Years of hope, faith, love, learning, and a vast multitude
Of life’s experiences.
And yet how long the journey and how steep the pathway
I did not know.
Onward, then, with tools of love and understanding
To strive, and earn with faith unwavering, and deeds to
Supplement that faith, to qualify, with the one I love,
For eternal life.
Years have passed, and still hope lives.
If I could have one message for my children,
It would be this:
Never make a choice that leaves you
Waiting outside the house of God.
For if you do, it may be you will find yourself and those you love
Outside throughout eternity.
I leave my testimony with you that nothing, nothing in this world
Could compensate for this,
The greatest of all blessings.