The Veil and the Sun

The other day I left Heber Valley and drove down Provo Canyon. While driving in the upper part of the canyon, there was a soft, white blanket of clouds that settled over the valley. The cloud ceiling was around 100 feet.  As I rounded a corner, there was an abrupt end to the fog and low cloud deck. On the backside of the clouds it was a crystal clear, blue sky.

While driving I took a couple of pictures (there were no cars around) of the clouds and sun. A mile prior to these pictures being taken, the shape of the Sun wasn't apparent through the clouds. There was a dim light, it was bright enough to see without headlights, but it was still a pale, dim light. Approaching this break in the clouds, I noticed the brilliant Sun beginning to shine and the round shape of the Sun beginning to become noticeable through the clouds. As I passed the cloud deck and was able to see the Sun, it was set against a beautiful ocean blue sky. It was brilliant and I couldn't look in its direction without being blinded.

It was an inspiring moment. I was reminded of the Nauvoo Sunstone. Layered with symbolism, one of the symbols is that of the Sun representing the Father. If we look closely we notice the Sun rising through three layers of clouds. One interpretation of the clouds is that of the veil.

This experience driving through the canyon was almost like the temple and the Sunstone - that of increasing light. At first it was a dim light, then I began to make out something bright and round, and then after passing the line of clouds it burst forth in a brilliant and magnificent light.

Our lives our similar. Some walk their entire lives with just a small amount of light - some consider that sufficient; for this group the veil will stay firmly in place. Others begin to grow and develop that light and they watch it become brighter and brighter until at some point, it becomes a perfect light - that of the Son and the Father. Driving in the canyon, it was amazing to think that a thin layer of clouds separated myself from a beautiful blue sky and a brilliantly bright Sun. Sometimes in our lives, the veil is significantly thinner than we might imagine and there are glorious things awaiting us just beyond the veil - they are within our grasp according to the time and will of the Lord (D&C 88:67-68). When our eye is single to his glory, we will be filled with light!