Tonight my husband and I loaded up all four kids into the van and headed up to the church to have our temple recommend interviews, as I’m sure many of you did, as well. With the new barcode system being implemented and the need for new recommends for everyone, bishops and stake presidents have been busier than ever, making sure that everyone has the proper documentation.
My kids busily drew on the bishop’s whiteboard while he wrote out our information. He doesn’t mind that they leave his office decorated – he actually likes it and asks them not to erase it when we leave. With that kind of positive reinforcement, of course they do their best work.
I appreciate the chance I have to go in and get interviewed for my recommend. Answering the questions and really pondering my responses helps me to keep my priorities straight. While sometimes it’s hard to fit the interview into my schedule, I know it’s important. I’m not a big sinner but I’m really quite talented at flirting with mediocrity. I let things slide that should not be slid, and coming to the temple recommend interviews helps me to remember the big picture, and all the reasons why the little things add up.
I also appreciate the opportunity to talk to my bishop about anything that might be troubling me. These are men of God and are inspired with the words that we need to hear. I did have one bishop who just didn’t understand where I was coming from at all, but every other bishop I’ve had has been supportive and helpful. I am so grateful that the Church is set up the way it is, with leadership and accountability so we always know who to go to for help.
So we have our recommends now, and the barcodes are pretty cute, in my opinion. Next step is getting over to the stake for that second signature, and hopefully our experience there won’t be as adventurous. Of course, maybe the stake will have a whiteboard too . . .