God does not only reside within the walls of a temple.

Do you pray every day, at least for a moment? Or do you only pray when in a 'holy' environment?

When I was fifteen, I started visiting the temple independently and religiously every weekend. I would be willing to sacrifice sleep no matter how late I slept the previous day and travel a distance. I was impressed with myself picking up the habits and practices my father would have wished for me to till I realised I have been lacking in one area. What is that? Neglecting the altar in my own house and visiting temples to give offerings instead. 

Today, I adopt a practice of praying at home every day, lighting up my altar at least once a day and create a connection with the almighty to assure them that they belong here. In the weekend, I stick to my routine temple visits. 

I am not implying that you would not be able to receive the blessings from God if you visit the temple and abandon the altar in your own shelter but what I wish to put across is that, you could attain the inner peace and assurance which you gain every now and then in an exterior temple at your very own temple at home itself every day. 

It is just as ridiculous as people whom are willing to travel all the way to less developed countries but do not take initiatives to lend a helping hand to people in their own community whom require similar help. You need not do much, just a walk to an eldercare nearby and spend time with the elderly? Put a smile on their face? Be compassionate? There is so much we could do instead of just saying.

Lets not even talk about sitting down in the altar and doing a prayer, it is as simple as telling a silent prayer once you wake up to thank God for another day. Come on guys, it is not going to take you that much of time as compared to lying on bed and browsing through your 'timeline'. Agree?

I honestly appreciate and admire people who have faith and do the necessary they should to pray, thank and ask. Well, it is similar to the saying "You can't just wait for money to drop from the sky". You do your thing, work hard, chase your dreams, be a better person and show gratitude to God. 

Whom I have intolerance for? People whom verbally or virtually announce their love for God or how they need to visit the temple but when the only time the remember in faith, in God and in doing a prayer is when they are facing a difficult situation. Why? It is because you only believe in miracles when you need it but when you have luxury, your "faith" vanishes. 

We need to understand that the prayers which takes place in the prayer room at home is the foundation of every action, decision which the family engages in. Before anything, treat the God you have placed at home as a family member, everything else follows. The size of what you offer to God  or the size of your altar does not matter, what matters is you do what you do with a clean, genuine heart and mind and as long as you keep the temple at home lively just like how the temple you visit has the solace, light and ringing bells. It's the though that counts, isn't it? 

Temples are a beautiful place, the feeling it leaves within your heart is rich. I love visiting the temple, especially on the days of special occasions but the bonus satisfaction comes along when you remember the temple you can create at home. Likewise, do not forgot your family at home while you're out there creating memories with other "families" you find along the way. 

Remember, a prayer a day keeps the bullshit away.

Have a good night, you alls!

Sending you love,