Luminous Stones

By Marilyn Rigby

In April Conference 2020, Elder Neil L. Anderson invited us to write down our spiritually defining moments.  He said, “the spiritually defining memories from our book of life are like luminous stones that help brighten the road ahead, assuring us that God knows us, loves us, and has sent His Son.”  I had such a moment in the Manti Temple a few years ago.

 I was going on a journey to visit twelve temples from Cedar City to Logan.  As I sat in the Manti Temple chapel before our session, I was admiring the beautiful mural on the front wall.  It was of Christ surrounded by children.  I had often thought of the scene in the Book of Mormon when he called all of the children to him. I believed that nothing could make me happier than seeing my children being loved and blessed by Him. 

As I looked at the picture, I was finding children that reminded me of each one of mine.  I was thinking about how blessed I felt to be able to be in so many temples.  How had I ever moved on from an alcoholic step-father, and a part member, inactive family to be in the temple.  How had I made it this far? 

Then I noticed the little girl on the Savior’s lap.  It wasn’t one of my children, it was me.  I was told that the Savior had had his arms around me my entire life.  As the tears of gratitude fell, I knew that I had been blessed throughout my journey. 

I keep that memory as one of my luminous stones.