“Jesus Loves You,” Friend, Dec. 2013, 36–37
Jesus Loves You
What will Grace see at the temple visitors’ center?
One morning Grace’s mom woke her up early.
“I have a surprise for you,” Mom said. “I want to show you something special.”
“Where are we going?” Grace asked Mom.
“We are going to see the temple,” Mom said.
Grace and Mom drove for a long time. Grace sang, “I Love to See the Temple.” She was happy.
Mom stopped the car. Grace got out and held Mom’s hand.
They walked onto the temple grounds. Grace saw flowers and trees. Everything was green and bright. Grace showed Mom a pink flower.
When Grace got close to the temple, she looked up, up, up. The temple was very tall. The sun was shining. Grace touched the white stone. She sat on a bench by a big tree. She was happy.
They walked all around the temple.
“I want to show you something else,” Mom said.
Grace held Mom’s hand, and they walked into the visitors’ center.
Grace felt good inside. It was nice there. The long ride had been worth it.
Grace looked up and saw the biggest statue she had ever seen. She stood very still and looked for a very long time. She saw feet, robes, and hands. When she saw the statue’s face, she smiled. She was happy.
“Do you know who that is?” Mom asked.
“It’s Jesus,” Grace whispered.
Grace held her arms out as far as she could, just like the statue. “He wants to give me a hug.”
Mom hugged Grace. “You are right. Jesus loves you!”