First look at the Temple

Faces of people I never knew came to my mind as a vision. Rather than being shocked and scared of it, I was feeling pleased and humbled and a sensation that is far too overwhelming to be expressed by words. I sat with my eyes closed as the rightful priesthood holders confirmed the baptisms of people who are no longer among us. I prayed for them and felt good that I was doing something that could yield goodness not alone in my and my family's life but in the lives of the ones I was doing this for. 

Just before I went onto doing this auspicious and righteous ordinance I was told that my role here was like the Savior himself. I was left in awe. But, that was just the beginning.


Bearing my testimony of my understanding of the Gospel that began with Annie, will continue with no one but her and shall continue forever with her by my side has appealed to many people both young and old. And, I take pride in moving many hearts. I still receive best wishes from people in form of their testimony and the feelings that I evoked in them as I spoke about nothing but the truth - my understanding and faith in the Gospel and my undying love for Annie and my family and friends. 

But, today was a different day altogether. I woke up with a mission in mind. I woke up like how a soldier would wake up with the enthusiasm and determination to defend his countrymen. Although disheartened with my inability to speak to my dearest darling Annie, I left to the temple. 


After I went in and performed the ordinances that I have been blessed to do, I pondered about the opportunities we get in this world to help someone. People assume and get defeated when they try and fail to deliver results in their attempt to help someone. See it with a positive light! You have attempted to help someone and that alone is enough for you to be contented and respected. Remind yourself that the Savior recognises it. 

Upon finishing my list of baptisms that I was blessed to do, I walked out of the water and ran straight into a man whose words has still left me with the chills and in awe. Although my right ear was still blocked with some water, I could hear him talk to me in his temple-voice - "Brother Padival, I hear this is your first time here. I also hear that you have only been a member since 2 months! Marvelous my son! I am proud of you. It is not just I but all of us serving in the temple that feel blessed to be in your company and see you understand and embrace the Gospel and be worthy of the Priesthood. My son! I am proud of you!" With tears almost departing from my eyes, and memories of my parents whom I have not seen since more than a year now, I asked him more about the temple. More people gathered around me, and he said to me, "Brother Padival, I can feel you have a strong testimony. AH! I am very proud of you my son. I can feel the Spirit very closely!" And, then he touched my face with his palm, wiped away the water from my brow, held my face in his palms and kissed me on my forehead. 


All I can say is how humble a few people are that they refer to "working" as "serving". Sure, they love what they are doing. I feel good that without knowing much about the Gospel, honesty, humbleness, meekness, bearing an open-heart, being forgiving, having faith and being consistent is alone enough to appeal to people. 

When I entered the temple, I thought I would leave by feeling small and illiterate among others who know more. But, I left feeling as important as others as I am His son, and feeling so much contented with myself that I am blessed to have the Gospel in my life, righteous parents, an unconditionally loving fiance', caring brothers like Guy, Brent, Sean, James and Gerry who have always been there in my worst times to uplift me and make me feel better. They have been my role models constantly showing me that there is always a way back and that they will constantly be there to help me remain as right as possible. 

While my parents have always taught me to abide by the three magic words - sorry, thank you and please, my sweetheart Annie has taught me the meaning of hope and the existence of a silver-lining. She has confirmed to me how if I continue to keep my faith, I will see an opportunity to becoming happy.  I love you honey!


Guy has confirmed to me that no matter how the past is filled with ups and downs you need not be an ideal outcome of it. You can create your own destiny. Guy helped me with my ill-thoughts and disbeliefs. He listened to me and made sure that he gave the right advice by emotionally understanding the depth of the puddle I was in rather than shooting rational one-liners.You are my best-man!!!


Brent has confirmed to me that there is the One up there who is always forgiving and will always show a way. All I have to do is ask. He has been a role-model for me and inspiring me to not fear to voice my opinion when it came to sensitive subjects such as religion. I had forsaken it for personal reasons. 


Sean, who understood and sympathised on some of the aspects that I had problems with and never gave up on me and helped me such that I could better understand and follow the Gospel. And, yes, for my first Christmas dinner too! Sean, Erin and Patty, you rock!!!


James, for his intellectual discussions that sped up my understanding of the Gospel. 

And, Gerry who could relate to my issues of understanding and helped me by sharing his viewpoints and tactics. 

If you need something, and you ask of it with the right intent you shall receive it. But, I would also like to point out that you need to remind yourself that it will happen in due time. So, keep the faith and have the patience.  


Today has only made my testimony all the more stronger. And, I am pleased with it. I am proud to be a member of the Church as it has made me experience joy, meet my soul-mate and live with her forever and a hope to being completely righteous.