Today I took Bella and Ez to the stake center to watch President Hinckley's funeral. I remember when I was a young girl and my Mom took me to the church to watch President Kimball's funeral. I remember feeling so reverent and humbled during that experience. I don't remember much about President Benson's and President Hunter's passing and funerals but I knew that President Hinckley's was a funeral I didn't want to miss. Anyway, although I felt sad at the news of President Hinckley's passing last Sunday, I hadn't shed a tear. But, I immediately started crying today as they showed the empty seat in between President Monson and President Eyering. I felt a wave of sadness and loss wash over me as the reality of President Hinckley's passing really hit. I also felt happiness and joy as I thought about all that he stood for and taught and that I was able to learn from him over the years. And, I am so happy that he is once again reunited with his beloved wife of 67 years.
My testimony of prophets has grown over the years, largely in part to President Hinckley. He was the modern day prophet that I testified of on a daily basis as a missionary of the church from 1997-1999. I was able to see him speak in person and by television on a number of occasions throughout the years and I always felt the spirit witness to me that he was the prophet of God on the earth in this day. Today I felt like I was saying good-bye not only to the prophet of God, but to a Grandpa. I think most of us have felt a special fondness towards him because of his contagious laughter, humor, and amazing ability to connect to people. I am grateful for his example of Christ-like living and love and I hope that I "stand a little taller" because I learned from him over the years. I am grateful that God continues to speak to his people, just as He did in the days of Moses, Abraham, Peter, and countless other ancient prophets of God. I know that God does not want us to be confused and so He continues to guide His church through modern day prophets. Although I will miss President Hinckley, I know that I will love and honor and learn from our next prophet of God.
4 comments:
That empty chair had the same effect on me - that was the moment it really hit. I didn't really get very emotional until today, either. Even though it was very sad, I definitely felt a sense of peace and comfort as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Well said! President Hinckley was simply awesome!
I appreciate your words! I will always regret not getting a chance to hear him speak in person.
Thank you for your thoughts. You expressed so well the similar emotions I have felt but haven't been able to put into words. I'll miss him too, but I can't feel too bad when I imagine the greetings he received on the other side of the veil. :)
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