Temple Baptisms

Yesterday evening, I made a proactive decision to go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. The last time I did baptisms was last Thanksgiving with my future-married sis, Breana, at the Timpanogos temple. Long time! There was one opportunity open in Rexburg to do baptisms with my ward, but sadly missed due to me being busy with schoolwork. But, I'm happy about being proactive.

I wasn't the only one to go to the temple. I invited my good friend and neighbor, Jade, to come with me and she was happy I took her. While we were in the temple, we couldn't help but listen to the silence and the peaceful music that was playing inside. We were in a good place. The right place.

Breana and her fianceé finally made a big decision to get married in the Manti temple and I'm happy for them. A good friend of mine once said, "Good choices equal happiness."

As we did baptisms for those who didn't have the opportunity of doing so, I was taken back to the day I was baptized at 8 years old. I didn't get baptized on my birthday as most LDS kids do, but I thought it was the best Christmas present I got. I was baptized and confirmed as a member on Christmas Day.

I'm grateful that I have made the decision because I wanted to be with my family for time and eternity as I still do today. I remember that happy day; after my dad baptized me and confirmed me, I felt clean. Not just physically clean, but spiritually clean. I was happy.

That feeling always comes back to me whenever I do baptisms for the dead in the temple. It helps me to feel closer to my Savior.

As mentioned before, I'm happy that I was proactive on going to the temple. For a person with autism, it's hard to be proactive when I want to do something important, but then I hesitate and become afraid. Although, I practice and try to take that big step. Overcoming my autism is a process for me, including those who have it. It was hard for me when I was little and learning to speak to other people, including strangers. But I gradually overcame my autism through therapy and the support of those who believed in me, such as my family.

Being proactive is hard for me, but isn't it hard for all of us whether we have autism or not?