Temple Tantrum

We have been meaning to go the the Oakland temple for some time now. Finally Chris simply said, "OK, lets go Saturday!" and then it happened! Weird how that works so well :)

We decided to get up with Riley the last time before she wakes up for the day (these days, typically around 5am) and once we put her down, take off. Mimi and Papa kindly took over her care as we hit the road. We got to the temple just before 7am, and I was excited-we could make the 7am session!!
I got to the dressing room pronto, and once I had thrown on my temple dress I quickly looked around for the group going to the session. I found that they had just barely left, but if Chris came out soon, they could stick us in the group! I did what looked like the potty dance as I eagerly awaited Chris' appearance. That slowly turned into aggravated anticipation, which turned into Really Bummed Out. By the time Chris came walking out of the Men's room, I barely schooled my actions to keep from pouncing on him.

"Chris, we just missed the 7am session. The next session starts in 45 minutes."
Instead of the shock and apologetic remorse I had planned on seeing, he smiled and responded exactly like his happy-go-lucky self-
"I know! I told them to go without us. I let them know we are here to enjoy the temple, not to hurry through it. Should we find a seat?"

I contorted my face into what I hoped was a polite expression as I excused myself and went straight to the women's room. I went right up to that prayer roll and started signing Chris' name over and over, because I knew by the time I got back to him he would need some serious prayers, and I was currently in no position to be praying for him! Then I went to the bathroom to get control of myself.
The thing was, logically, I knew he was right. We weren't there to just check off 'going to the temple' off our list-this was our chance to enjoy the House of the Lord! But emotionally I was still having a hard time with leaving so early in the morning, and being so close to getting into that last session. Once I burned off some steam (I had 45 minutes to work with, remember? ;) ) I prayed that I could have my heart softened and that I could have the angry feelings taken away, because I didn't want them. And you know what? With some time and sincere desire, I did feel that heavy feeling of frustration lift and I felt peace again.

The reason I am sharing this experience on my blog was that it was a great lesson on the Atonement of Christ for me. Usually I think of the atonement when I am working on repenting for the big things in my life. But how often do those things really happen? We can't overlook how the atonement is a blessing for us in our big offenses, and also in our day to day living when we find our heart isn't in the right place. We don't have to continue living with those feelings that plague us if we allow the atonement time to work in our life.

Riley enjoying her time with Mimi and Papa

They seriously have way too much fun...

We made a detour on the way home... ;)