Bound by Time (or When Not To Be?)

We had a lesson on the temple today in Relief Society, using the General Conference talks from Elder Bednar and Elder Scott.

Perhaps you recall the list of suggestions Elder Scott had, including the one to remove your watch while in the temple.

Now, when I first heard this counsel, I was a little concerned about how I could really follow it, because by definition and circumstance (late sleeper-inner, kids need to be picked up from school -- I'm squeezed in from both sides). But I have heard some great stories of people giving it a try (even a temple worker!) and having great experiences doing so.

But this isn't actually a post about removing your watch at the temple (although, of course, I think it's good counsel). It's about the thread I noticed in a good chunk of his counsel.

It had to do with time.

He talked of scheduling carefully. Of leaving sufficient time so that we are unhurried when in the temple. Of removing your watch.

And I recalled something from my patriarchal blessing that often rings in my mind -- the reminder that "the Lord is not bound by time as we are."

And that made me see Elder Scott's counsel in a different light. I understand at one level why he encourages us to not be hurried...so we can enjoy what is going on, and don't rush through the experience lest we miss spiritual experiences.

But perhaps it's also to help us get into a different mode...not bound by time, as God is not.

Most of the time, we have to be bound to time to function in this world. And of course, even in our gospel living, time is of the essence. But by scheduling carefully, trying not to be rushed, and removing our watches, might we be trying to let time go for a brief...er...time?

I dunno. It struck me as something to think about.

What think ye?

Debunking assumptions about bankruptcies in Utah

It's been a crazy few months in m&m land, but I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

I've had lots of posts swimming in my head, but not a lot of time to sit down and write them.

And I have to go get the van registered, so again, time is limited.

But I wanted to link to this article that I just read today. I love studies that debunk the bad rap Utah sometimes gets when stats are thrown around with the assumption that any bad stat must be because of Mormonism (like antidepressant use, or in this case, bankruptcies). Fun to see a name I recognize from the 'nacle, too (Frank McIntyre). Thanks for your work.