To See the Beauty, Just Turn Around and Look

As an ordinance worker at the Idaho Falls Temple, I get the chance to see pictures and murals from a different vantage point than most people who visit. I get to appreciate the beauty of the temple’s artwork. This artwork, particularly the handpainted murals throughout the endowment rooms, is unique.

Recently, I was sitting in the front of the room during an endowment session, facing everyone else. From where I was sitting, I could see the back wall and the murals behind the patrons’ heads. These murals include pictures of animals, pioneers, and other beautiful scenes. Yet, many people who visit the temple don’t get a chance to really look at these murals. While I didn’t actually say it, a part of me wanted to say, “Just turn around and look.”

You Might Be Missing Out on the Beauty

In life, sometimes we are so focused on what’s directly in front of us, what we may see as our goal, that we tend to disregard the beauty around us. While this doesn’t mean that we should let go of what’s most important, it does mean that we sometimes need to be more aware of what’s around us. Take the time to appreciate the beauty of the world, both the natural beauty created by our Heavenly Father and things created by humans (paintings, statues, poetry, books, crafts, and other such things).

I would encourage everyone to take the time to enjoy the beauty around you. Right now, for many people, fall is in full swing. The leaves are changing colors and falling off the trees. Much of this beauty will soon be gone until next year at around this time. Now is the time to “just turn around and look.” Enjoy the fall beauty that Heavenly Father has provided. As winter arrives, enjoy the natural beauty it provides. Then enjoy spring’s beauty and the wonderful visual changes summer provides when it arrives. Don’t be in such a rush that you can’t enjoy the picturesque scenes that Heavenly Father has provided for our enjoyment.

Enjoy Those Murals

While I’m not encouraging you to be disruptive about it, if you get the chance to go to the Idaho Falls Temple, I definitely encourage you to really look at the murals in the endowment rooms. Admire the gorgeous artwork both in the endowment rooms and throughout the temple.

One of my favorite paintings in the temple is of Mary (Jesus’ mother) and Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mother). It’s in the women’s locker room. Sorry, men, you can’t see it. The lighting in the picture is so realistic. The emotion on the women’s faces is wonderful. Unfortunately, I don’t think many people beyond the temple ordinance workers generally notice this picture. If you happen to be in the Idaho Falls Temple women’s locker room, ask a temple worker where you can find this painting. They’ll likely be willing to point it out.

If you haven’t ever had the chance to see the murals in the Idaho Falls Temple, here’s a link showing some of the official pictures inside the temple: Idaho Falls Temple Pictures

Appreciate Your Local Temple’s Artwork

I realize that many people reading this post do not live near the Idaho Falls Temple, and they may never get the chance to see this temple in person. No matter where you live, though, when you get the chance to attend the temple, I encourage you to really look at the artwork. Each painting was chosen for a reason. Each piece of artwork has a story. Arrive a little early or stick around a little after you’re done. Take the time to appreciate the temple artwork.

Enjoying the Beauty of All Temples In Person

Yes, I know that there are some people who may not have the chance to go inside the temple. Fortunately, even those who do not have a temple recommend, can enjoy the beauty of the temple. When you can’t go inside, take a walk around the temple grounds to see the beauty of God’s love and to feel of His spirit. This allows you to enjoy both natural and manmade beauty.

Temple open houses are also a good way to enjoy the beauty of the temple. Anyone can attend. For some of the bigger ones, tickets are encouraged (although they’ll generally accommodate you without them). During a temple open house, you will be guided slowly through the temple. This allows you to enjoy the beauty of the temple’s design. If you get this chance, take a look at the paintings, murals, and stained glass. All of the currently scheduled temple open houses in the United States are in Utah. If you don’t live in that area, you may have to wait a bit to enjoy a temple open house. The Casper Wyoming Temple, Tallahassee Florida Temple, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple, and Farmington New Mexico Temple all should have open houses in 2024 or early 2025, though.

Admire Temples From Afar

A third option is to enjoy photos of temples. Even when you cannot visit a temple, I encourage you to enjoy the beauty of the temple through photos of the temple. There are a variety of places where you can buy photos to put in your home. The temple artwork, murals, and internal designs can be enjoyed through official church photography. A great place to find that is churchofjesuschristtemples.org. I’ll admit it. I’m a bit obsessed with this website. You can see official photos of temples all around the world. You can even enjoy photos of the inside of some temples.

This is also a great place to track the construction status of temples and see a map of where the current and future temples are located. Sorry, I just had to put that little plug in. It’s not an official site of the church, but it does have links to the church website.

Other Ways to Enjoy Manmade Beauty

Of course, the temple isn’t the only place where we can see manmade beauty around us. I encourage you to “just turn around and look” at other artwork, both spiritual and secular. Come to see the beauty around you, whether in a museum, on a drive, on a walk around your neighborhood, or elsewhere.