Seek --  All That is Good

A week ago Rick and I climbed aboard the “TRAX” and rode into Salt Lake City with a few of our family members. We were interested in seeing the recently completed  “City Creek Center”.  All of the grand opening celebrations had concluded and some of the 50,000 daily guests had  lessened -- not!  It was crowded, hundreds, if not thousands had decided to visit the plaza just like we had. It was fun to see all the hustle and bustling around the downtown area once again. City Creek  has been years in the construction.  From the looks of everything Salt Lake City is thriving. It has become a central addition and influence for the city. 

I took a few minutes to observe the movement of people from a balcony position. In every direction I could see people in progress. Moving here and there,  entering and exiting stores, pushing stollers, carryng shopping bags, everyone with a goal or purpose in mind. 

          The many beautiful fountains, designed by those that created the fountains at the Bellagio  in Las Vegas, seemed to invite and welcome everyone’s touch and observation. I delighted in watching the children play in the fountain’s water.Their faces reflected joy as they danced in the water cascading. Everywhere you looked there was fresh fountains, or flowing water streams. Doesn’t really look like a shopping mall--it’s beautiful 

          North of the City Creek Center is Temple Square and the beauty continued north. It was a perfect walk in the park. By tradition the tulips had awakened the joy of color. Giant orange tulips, white poppies, blue for-get-me-nots, purple pansies. . . to name a few. I took pictures, as I want to appreciate the abundance of spring, and new beginnings.

      Rick and I stepped away from the family who wanted to do some shopping. We then enjoyed a journey back in time with some memories and  experiences on temple square.  

I took a picture of the door that once led into the baptistery. I was baptized there 54 years ago. My mind genereated a few thoughts and special feelings as I pondered my tender memory of my good father holding my hand and walking me into water. We had practiced prior to going to Temple Square just what I was supposed to do.  It made me smile just knowing that I had been so prepared and ready for baptism. 

        I snapped another picture of the Assembly Hall , where I had performed with my high school seminary choir, as well as the BYU’s Sounds of Freedom several times. 

        Just looking at the Tabernacle brought back so many experiences to mind. As a young girl our family frequented it, especially on General Conference Sunday. We always looked  forward to  the presentations by the Sunday School.  The Tabernacle was too where I sang with several performing groups.  One sweet memory was when I was twelve I was featured by the church as the “Beehive” representing the girls of the church.  It was the Golden Beehive Jubelee.  I had my picture taken for the newspaper standing by the podium.

Temple Square has often made me feel ‘at home.’  Perhaps it because of all the sweet memories, moments and lunch breaks that I was able to spend there. Working at the Federal Reserve Bank allowed me to walk up and enjoy my lunch hour every day. Some of my comfort came from all the flowers. I smiled as I thought of my mother making friends with the gardener on Temple Square years prior.  She wanted to learn about gardening. He became a good friend and teacher. He had given her numerous flower starts, bulbs, seeds, even tree starts. After which our own yard on Parkway Avenue was reguarded by many as a true garden of beauty. So in my thinking mother and daddy had indeed created a “heaven on earth.”

      

     Our walk through the gardens was refreshing. It wasn’t just the colors. I believe my spirit was soaking in the sacred beauty. There within a city wall was God’s varieties of all kinds--even people. 

       If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

       In today’s world I believe we must seek diligently to fill our minds with virtuous and lovely thoughts, surround ourselves with goodness. Learn and study and fill our minds with all that is uplifting. It is up to each of us to generate goodness, and beauty.

        Speaking about generating beauty I encourage everyone to go down to the Church Museum across from Temple Square and see all the works of art that have been entered into the annual Church competition.  As you enter the building’s foyer you will see a delightful piece of art made of stained glass. It was made by Yvonne Bent, ( my niece). It’s white framed (door) invites all to ponder the beautiful elements of God’s garden.  With light coming from behind it is the perfect introduction to the art.  If one knows Yvonne, one realizes that she is constantly seeking to learn and then share her knowledge. Congratulations Yvonne, the piece is beautiful. 

       Walking back to join the family Rick and I took our time. It isn’t often that we go downtown.  However, it allowed me to think about a vision once held. There were fountains, spacious buildings, people pushing and people being lost by the wayside. It was so real as I could see it before my eyes. It led me to question: where I am in God’s plan or visioned picture? Am I focused, truly focused in things that matter most?  Am I dipping into waters that seem too inviting?  Are there fads and fashions that are tempting?  Are the voices louder than the ones I should listen too?  It is good to ponder at times and discover one's footings.

     

Seeking that which is good, is becoming a necessary standard. There are so many distractions in this very busy life of ours. To choose between better and best is a daily juggle. I like the words diligently and steadfast, and I pray that I will hold strong as I walk the path. 

 

A thought I shared at the seminaries this week:  

“Our task is to become our best selves. 

One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying

 again, for no failure ever need be final.”  Pres. Thomas S. Monson  

Love to all,

   Shauna