In the early 1800s, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began the construction of a temple in Kirtland, Ohio (USA). Unlike Solomon's temple, filled with all the gold and riches a King could command, this temple was built by an impoverished people who had few resources. But to make this building a beautiful and worthy tribute to the God they loved, they were willing to sacrifice and give what they had. Men, women and children alike worked night and day to help build and guard the temple. And when the time came to plaster the walls, they brought their china and glassware to crush and add to the mixture for the outside of the building, making the walls sparkle and shine in the sunlight.

I have always loved this story of sacrifice and dedication, and I find in it some great parables.

The early church members who had come from well-to-do situations had china to contribute--the story is often told of those who contributed heirloom Dresden china for the purpose. I'm impressed that they could give up something so precious and beautiful for something even more precious and beautiful.

I hope that I can always be willing to give up good things for better things.

Those who had come from less affluent circumstances brought their plain dishes and glassware--nothing nearly so impressive or intrinsically beautiful as Dresden china--but it was no less a sacrifice, and was no less beautiful as part of the temple walls in the sunlight.

I hope I can remember that no matter how humble my offerings may be, the Lord can make these simple things as beautiful as gold... or Dresden china..