Blessings in the font

My dear brothers and sisters, I have recently had an experience I am compelled to share with you. 

Thursday, I went to the temple to perform baptisms for the dead. 

Side bar: for those of you not of the LDS faith, we believe that baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is vital to enter into God's presence after we pass from this life. As there are many who never get the opportunity to hear the gospel, we do baptisms in their name. These are usually done by family members for their ancestors, and it does not force the deceased to be a Mormon. It gives them a choice to accept the gospel, or not. We don't convert people after death, that's their decision.

Back to my experience; I arrived at the Temple, and was surprised to see many people in the baptistery waiting to go into the font room. Usually, in visits past, I've gotten in and out in twenty minutes. I spent nearly 2 there this trip. But it was my first experience yet.

As I entered into the font room, I saw a young man who had Down Syndrome sitting on the bench, waiting for his name to be called. It struck me as odd, seeing him sitting there. To be able to enter the baptistery, you have to have an interview with your Bishop to determine your worthiness to obtain a recommend. I didn't understand how this brother could be eligible to participate. Then a feeling came over me: He has every right to be here, he hardly has the capacity to sin. I was satisfied with that feeling, and glad to see him there.

As the wait wore on, some people were visibly frustrated, which is a shame in such a sacred place. Something had happened with the time stamps on the paperwork, and they were going in a strange order, causing a big wait for some. This surely only added to the chatter in the font room, as it was unusually noisy that day. However, when Brother Heaton was called, the young man with Down Syndrome, his brother helped him up and to the stairs, and the room became silent. Not a word was spoken as we all watched this young man struggle up the steps, over, and down the steps into the font. The brother baptizing that day was young, no more than 19, and must have been volunteering as he prepared for his mission. It was wonderful to see the gentle way he led Brother Heaton into the correct spot, and showed him how to plug his nose. After he spoke the words, he lovingly lowered Brother Heaton into the water, taking care not to go too quickly and surprise him in any way. 

A great presence of spirit was felt as I watched this touching example of the savior's love for all his children. Here was this imperfect being, rife with physical challenges and differences doing a service for those long dead. Here is this young brother in his social prime volunteering what time his has left at home to perform this sacred ordinance, and being a perfect example of the tender, caring love the Savior would show were he the one baptizing Brother Heaton.

Everyone who was in the room that day witnessed a marvelous thing. I cannot speak for others, but I know I also felt strongly the love my Savior has for me, and the peace that comes with that assurance. I pray, my friends, that we always be mindful of His love for us, and His guiding hand in our lives. I bear you my testimony that the Savior does love you. That He is ever present, guiding you, comforting you, supporting you through all that you do. That that love comes without exceptions, caveats, or limits. That if we turn to Him in faith, He will always answer with love.

I love you, my dear friends,

Taylor