Jared didn't have much time to play over the summer. He got a full-time job, working at a Management Company, which involved cleaning out trash and helping do some maintenance for college apartments. It was a yucky manual labor job, having to bag up overflow from the dumpsters. He did find a nice bike, pair of sunglasses, and a couple other things that had been thrown out. I think it's these jobs that provide the motivation to get a college education and skills beyond manual labor. It was good for him, and he has earned enough money through his high school jobs to pay for his mission.
On July 7th, Jared received the Melchizedek Priesthood, in preparation for his temple endowment and mission. On July 11th, Alex and I went with Jared (and a few other friends joined us) to be with him as he received his endowment in the temple. It was a great spiritual experience for him. I could tell that it was mind-opening for him and he seemed to be soaking it all in like a sponge. He is already a spiritual giant and attuned to the Spirit of the Lord. We enjoyed sitting with him in the celestial room and thinking about those on the other side of the veil. I had the thought that if we want to feel close to those that have passed on, we should participate in the work of salvation - family history, temple work, and missionary work - because I believe that's what they're doing on the other side of the veil. I think there is a lot of teaching going on beyond the veil, but they can't complete the necessary ordinances for salvation. When we go to the temple, we get to serve as proxy for people who didn't get a chance to do baptismal or temple ordinances while they were on earth. Family members are waiting for us and rejoice when we help in the work of salvation. I think sometimes they are very near even though we can't see them.
We're grateful to watch Jared receive his own ordinances and start teaching others how to receive their own temple ordinances.
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