Rough Stone Rolling

The jury’s still out for me about Adam. Was he really the stronger of the two to so quickly and adamantly (get it? adamantly… what a card) refuse Lucifer’s offer, or was he just being the typical obtuse guy, like the ones who don’t need the instruction manual? ‘Cause there was just a flicker of a moment where I perceived Eve as being the more insightful spouse. As she would with Fuller Brush salesmen in generations to come, she looked past the fancy pitch, saw the kernel of truth and grabbed it. Adam was like, “But He said it is forbidden,” and Eve was like, “But He also said choose for thyself,” and it was like, “Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.” And, okay, it was forbidden fruit, but the important thing is they took it, and then they made lemonade.

Years later when Adam would be digging their umpteenth septic system, in a moment of weakness he’d glare at his bride and say, “This really stinks.” To which she would remind him for the umpteenth time, “Were it not for our transgression, we never should have seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient– dear.” And he’d surrender back to his dig, mumbling, “I know, I know…”

OK, so… how do you get through the two hours?

I’ve actually come to a point where I love going to the temple. I know, everyone says they love it. They’re lying. If they all loved it, the place would look like the opening of The Dark Knight– and seriously, I can’t throw stones ’cause I know how they feel. But I think the reason why I’ve decided I love it now is due to attending on the designated stake and ward temple nights. Sitting among a bunch of people you like… hanging out with them after the session… gossiping in the celestial room (there’s something you’ll never see in a Pat Bagley cartoon). It’s striking to me how beautiful the sisters are, their faces glowing, encompassed in white. And even more, maybe it’s because many of the numbers were there because I called them, or found rides for them. I’ll say it– it’s gratifying. I’ve also found fulfillment at the end of the sessions, helping the others proceed through their final step. All this stuff has given it so much more dimension and purpose, and not left it feeling like just another necessary church chore.

In the meantime we’re actively shopping for a house and I’m feeling a pressing need to do all the renovations I can on my quorum before I leave. It’s like the feeling of necessity of leaving one’s house in order.

Saw Definitely, Maybe tonight. Not an entirely schmaltzy story (and good casting), but I couldn’t stop thinking throughout the film that the guy was recounting all of his romantic– and at-times physical– exploits to his 10-year old daughter.