Waiting

I tried to go to the temple tonight. I felt somewhat guilty because my wife was sick but we have stake conference on Sunday and this was our night as a stake to go to the temple. I wasn't going to do a session, just initiatory work because it is a little faster and I wouldn't have to spend so much time away from home. Anyway, I get there, parking is full but I luck out on a good spot, go in to do initiatory and there is a 45 minute wait just to get started! I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I decided to leave and come home and take care of my wife. 45 minutes seemed like such a long time and then I started getting feelings and perspective about time. 45 minutes here is absolutely nothing compared with the centuries and possibly millenia that people have been waiting for their chance at making sacred covenants. I felt chagrined and that miniscule amount of time seemed insignificant when placed in an eternal perspective. I can assuage, however, my conscience with leaving in that our High Council rep walked out with me to care for his sick wife as well. We both felt justified (read rationalized) in not waiting and caring for spouses while leaving others still waiting...