April 7th, 2012: Just A "One"...

I had an interesting thing happen at the Temple the other night...

I went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple after work...  It was a very busy Friday night, and the chapel was packed, mostly with beaming couples, who were holding hands, and gazing into each others eyes...  Of course...  Because, you see, Friday night is date night in all of Mormondom!! 

I, on the other hand, was sitting alone...  Now, this didn't bother me too much...  Being a divorced member of the Church, I am used to being alone, while surrounded by those who are not alone...  But, then things took an unexpected turn...

The sweet sister in charge of directing us out of the chapel and into the Endowment Room announced that there was room for 15 more patrons in the upcoming session...  Dread started to well up inside me, as I realized what was about to happen...  15 is an odd number...  And, there were several couples in the row ahead of me...  And, several couples in the pew next to me... But, I was the ONLY single person anywhere in sight!! 

As the couples began making their way out of the room, the sweet sister asked, "Is there anyone here who is just a 'one'...??" 

Just a "one", I thought...  I am just a "one"...  Without a husband, I am not part of a "two"...  And, without my children living here with me, I am not part of a "five"...  I am just a "one"...  I slowly raised my hand, and the sweet sister motioned me to follow the others...  I rose, and slowly made my way down the row, feeling every eye in the room watching me as I tried my best to make a dignified exit...

In the hallway, I felt my cheeks burning with a humiliated blush...  It is hard enough to go to the Temple alone every week...  But, to be singled out so blatantly was very difficult for me...  I felt embarrassed, and oh-so-very alone...

In my misery I recalled the words of the Saviour, as He taught in Luke, Chapter 15:

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine ^ain the wilderness, and go after that which is ^blost, until he find it?

 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

I was gently reminded, by the Spirit, that I may be "just a one" in the eyes of the world...  In the eyes of those who do not know me...  But, I am numbered among the Good Shepard's flock...  I am known to Him who cares for ALL the sheep...  He has bought me for a price, and I am His!! 

When I am lost...  Or alone... He knows!! 

He knows me!!  He loves me!! He will "go after that which is lost", until He finds me...  And, when I am safely back in His loving arms, both He and I rejoice!!

I am not married...  But, I am not alone!! 

I feel the Love and sustaining Grace of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, everyday!!  And, I am SO very grateful!!  I know that He is here...  I feel His presence, and His gentle hand, guiding me in the path He wants me to go!! 

I pray that you will too!!