Two contrasting Thresholds

I have reflected back to the different thresholds of my life and the way they have informed my attitudes and behaviors.  Two contrasting architectural thresholds of significance to me are the potato cellar I grew with and Latter-day Temples. The potato cellar is symbolic of physical life and the Temple is a symbol of spiritual life.

I have contemplated the potato cellar…the kind of “architectural structure” it was and the roll it played in shaping my life.  The potato cellar gave me a chance to work with my mom and dad who were people with a strong character and a strong commitment to home, family and church.  I feel an overwhelming gratitude to them for teaching me to work and to be dependable.

Work in the cellar centered on sorting and cutting potatoes; planting potatoes; weeding and rouging potatoes; and picking potatoes.   I remember working in the potatoes with my siblings and neighbors who helped me gain an optimistic and encouraging attitude. From this work and the rhythm of the seasons, I learned how our actions lead to consequences.

The cellar was constructed from dirt, logs, and straw, meant to be a temporary earthly structure.  It had only one large heavy wooden door which was big enough for a truck to drive through.  The ceiling was made of logs; it was high pitched, came up from the ground, and was covered with straw and dirt.  The cellar was specifically designed as a cool place to store potatoes.  It had a wonderful smell; I love the smell of potato dirt!   Compared to the great architecture of the world this is a seemingly insignificant structure, yet it had a great impact on my life. It help shaped my character and grounded me as a “down to earth” person. Our livelihood depended on it, and depended on our being there to help. It physically sustained us, it made me feel secure to enter into that dark cool cellar, and I loved it.

In contrast to the potato cellar, its earthiness, coolness, darkness and how it symbolizes physical sustenance, Temples are a significant part of shaping of my religious and spiritual life.  They are magnificent structures made of stone, beautiful windows, spires, and great deal of architectural detail, they are built to last through the millennium. In contrast to the earthy dark cellar; they are sparkling and radiant. Once inside, there is a feeling of peace and being away from all the cares of the world.  Everything is beautiful, serene, light, symbolic, and sacred; I feel welcome and a feeling of unlimited potential.

I was married in a temple, crossing that threshold was a life altering sacred experience. Although the marriage ceremony happened in just a short time, I had made many thoughtful choices before that defining moment. Just as the choices we make in our early childhood education determine whether we will qualify for entrance into a university or not, so do the choices we make in how we conduct our life determine whether we will qualify to enter the temple or not. The beckoning portals of the temple have helped me recognize the importance of choice and free will on the path that leads to the thresholds we desire to cross.

The architecture of temples divide them from the outside world, yet they are also an invitation to enter, beckoning all to come, come in, and find rest from all your labors.