Chiaroscuro

I always look forward to a chance to go to temple square. There is a particular significance of entering such a sacred and peaceful place in the midst of a large and often far from peaceful city. On November 4th, one of my best friends and I went and did baptisms in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a particularly special experience for him for several reasons. It was the first time he'd ever been in the Salt Lake Temple, It was also his first time to confirm or baptize since he just recently received his endowments in preparation for his mission. Since he first told me about his call to serve the Lord, I have felt a particular excitement for him. Watching him talk about his call and the spiritual growth and experiences he had this summer, as well as seeing the light in his eyes while we were in the temple, made me so grateful for the inspired commandment for young men, (and young women) to serve missions. After we did baptisms, we went into the south visitors center and looked at the 3D model of the temple. We had the chance to talk with two sister missionaries. They both had incredible testimonies and shared our enthusiasm for our upcoming missions and future opportunities. We then decided to tour the conference center. Our guide was very knowledgeable and told us many special things about the artwork and the conference center itself. This was probably my favorite part of the whole evening. I've been in the conference center before. I've been to live sessions and various concerts and events, but I'd never seen the building when it was empty. It had a very different and special spirit in it. As we went around and he pointed out particular artwork, the guide mentioned many things I would never have known about. For starters, when they excavated the site for the building of the conference center, they discovered a natural spring in the ground. This spring provides the water for all the feature in the building including the waterfalls on the roof, the fountains inside the building as well as the drinking fountains. I pondered on all of the amazing prophecies and gospel analogies this fact encompassed. The guide took us to every painting on the walls and told us something special about each one. Although I've always loved the Friberg gallery, (Abinadi is my favorite) I was enchanted with the work of Watler Rane. I'd seen some of his paintings before, but never up close. you get a different feel when the picture is as tall as you are and the facial features are almost life sized. The detail and precision with which Walter Rane paints is exquisite. The picture "Jeremiah" was very impressive to me. The texture of the men's hair and the reflection of the light all creates such a life-like image. The tour guide pointed out a specific technique the artist used to emphasize certain aspects of the painting. Its an Italian word "Chiaroscuro" which means "from dark to light". The reflection of light bouncing off the figure on the right emphasizes the expression on Jeremiah's face. applying chiaroscuro, i want to come from dark to light in my own life. My friend is on his mission now. I gave him a few pictures from the artist's work we both loved as a gift to take on his mission. He went into the MTC this past Wednesday. I know that he applied a type of chiaroscuro in his own life and made changes to become a better servant of God. I'm proud of him and his efforts to become the man and missionary God wants him to be. I plan to follow his example and serve a mission, in some form or another.
Hurrah for Israel Elder Alsop.