Being married to the physical facilities director in our ward is not as glamorous as one might think. Sure, last year was full of excitement every time there was a snow storm. That was the year we had the coveted 11:00 church time. While all my ward members extolled the virtues of being the chosen ones to have the best church time in our building, Mr. Taylor did not have to set up chairs or take down chairs before or after church, but he had the opportunity of snow removal. In my mind, the drought is no longer an issue.
Cleaning of the church is best organized with a sign-up sheet during the month that ward is assigned cleaning. March has come and gone without a sign-up sheet. This has meant that every Saturday (except the week there were baptisms), my husband and children have cleaned the church. I simply could not bear that much of life in the fast lane. I found that Costco, Albertson's, and the Shades Warehouse Sale were always calling my name.
This week we all decided to clean the church on Friday night since Saturday was so packed with possibilities; service at the welfare farm and a tee time of golf at Fox Hollow. The six of us arrived at a quiet church and began our penance, I mean cleaning. As we progressed, I couldn't help but feel a very sacred feeling about the church. There were men playing with the sound system, the video feeds, taking out televisions, setting them up, taking them down while we were cleaning sinks, toilets, taking out garbage, and vacuuming. For some reason, I didn't mind the cleaning. It felt sacred and special and I couldn't put my finger on it. Finally, it dawned on me that the Draper Temple dedication ceremonies would be broadcast at this church. It was as if we were cleaning a temple.
Since the days of Moses, temples have a special room called "Holy of Holies." Only those whose calling and election is made sure is allowed within those walls. The Salt Lake Temple contains a Holy of Holies. There is one janitor who cleans it. Just one. How would it feel to be that janitor? We may have felt a small sense of that spirit on Friday night.
Cleaning of the church is best organized with a sign-up sheet during the month that ward is assigned cleaning. March has come and gone without a sign-up sheet. This has meant that every Saturday (except the week there were baptisms), my husband and children have cleaned the church. I simply could not bear that much of life in the fast lane. I found that Costco, Albertson's, and the Shades Warehouse Sale were always calling my name.
This week we all decided to clean the church on Friday night since Saturday was so packed with possibilities; service at the welfare farm and a tee time of golf at Fox Hollow. The six of us arrived at a quiet church and began our penance, I mean cleaning. As we progressed, I couldn't help but feel a very sacred feeling about the church. There were men playing with the sound system, the video feeds, taking out televisions, setting them up, taking them down while we were cleaning sinks, toilets, taking out garbage, and vacuuming. For some reason, I didn't mind the cleaning. It felt sacred and special and I couldn't put my finger on it. Finally, it dawned on me that the Draper Temple dedication ceremonies would be broadcast at this church. It was as if we were cleaning a temple.
Since the days of Moses, temples have a special room called "Holy of Holies." Only those whose calling and election is made sure is allowed within those walls. The Salt Lake Temple contains a Holy of Holies. There is one janitor who cleans it. Just one. How would it feel to be that janitor? We may have felt a small sense of that spirit on Friday night.
I think this is also such a great experience for your kids!! they will look back when they're older on how they spent many a Friday nights and cleaning the church will be a very wonderful fond memory. What a good mom and wife you are to not only set a good example but to also help your hubby with his calling!!! : )
ReplyDeleteNancy, how come there wasn't a list? If there comes a time when you need more help, call me. I am a good cleaner. I didn't know you guys always cleaned so thank you from me for all you guys do. TRULY!
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind me commenting but I just loved reading this. You put it so well.Cute blog, I need to be better at mine. What a cute family!!
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