This post is long overdue, for which I apologize. On January 27, 2008 President Gordon B. Hinckley, the President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints passed away at the age of 97. He led the Church for over a decade, and was the prophet for the better part of my life. This post is a small tribute to him and the influence he has had in my life and the lives of people worldwide.
I received news of his passing on Sunday evening from my mom. When she called and told me that he had passed away, I was surprised at my reaction. I was sad--President Hinckley has become so loved among members of the Church for so many reasons--but I felt strangely peaceful. I knew that even though President Hinckley had passed, there would be another president of the church. God will call another prophet, and the work of the Lord in these latter days will continue to roll forward.
On Saturday February 2nd I watched President Hinckley's funeral. I have to admit, I was not excited about the experience...I suppose I thought that not making official (ie avoiding at all costs) the reality that one of the individuals who had impacted my life the most had left this earth would make it less painful. I realized that part of the reason why I had not felt affected by the initial news of his passing was because I had chosen not to deal with it.
It is a strange experience to be affected by so strongly by the passing of someone I had never met or had a personal relationship with. President Hinckley affected my life very deeply. He was the one who counseled us always with power and direction, but also with joy and love. He was the one who gave us the "6 B's" and shared his love for the temple and the ordinances performed there. He provided so much counsel and direction, but always did so while mainting a loving persona that personalized and endeared him to people around the world.
As I watched the proceedings of his funeral, I was struck by the words of President Monson, who reminded us that President Hinckley always looked forward to the future with an attitude of anticipation, knowing that "the best is yet to come." I was struck by this and took joy and hope in remembering that the Lord has promised us that the best IS yet to come. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, the Lord has promised that he will always provide for us and that if we are faithful he will bless our lives. Whether we are in the happiest circumstances of our lives, or the most desperate, there is always something better awaiting us. I do not think this means that we should be discontent in our position in our life, but that we should look forward with joyful anticipation to the blessings and plans tha the Lord has in store for us.
I am so grateful for President Hinckley and the life he lived, the counsel he gave, and the love he shared with people around the world, inside and outside the church. I want to take this opportunity to express my love for the gospel, and the joy that I take in knowing that the Lord is deeply and personally involved in our lives. I look forward to President Monson's tenure as prophet and President of the Church, and once again, I am grateful to know that no matter where we find ourselves now, the best is yet to come.
1 comments:
good entry. It's interesting to see everyone's reaction to President Hinckley's passing.
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