I Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet

I've been so incredibly touched by how many blogs have mentioned the passing of a great man: prophet, seer and revelator Gordon B. Hinckley. I think it's important to write our thoughts and feelings about his life and death. He was a man who changed many, many lives...including my own.

Like Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay were for our grandparents and parents, President Hinckley was the prophet of our generation. When I heard the news last night, my initial reaction was how glad I was that his death wasn't drawn out over months or years. Last month when he spoke at the Mormon Taberacle Choir Christmas Dinner, he said, "I'm old and I have nothing left to say." He was ready to move on and rejoin his beloved wife, but he also continued to work, travel and speak whenever he could. I also thought, "How sad for all the new members of the church who have only known him as prophet." Every time I've watched videos and news reels of President Hinckley overseas, waving his white handkerchief to the beautiful saints in Africa, Asia, South America, Europe, the Islands of the Pacific and every nook and cranny in between, I've felt strongly that this man anchors so many with his goodness and love.

My earliest memories of him are as a child watching general conference. I thought he was incredibly boring. Yes, I remember thinking that. Dreading his talks. Of course, I didn't actually listen to any of them but due to the poor health of President Kimball and his other counselors, it seemed like he did a lot of talking.

I think the first time I heard him with new ears was as a freshman in college. The BYU combined choirs sang during October Conference and I had a great view of President Hinckley, who was then counselor to President Benson. I vividly remember President Hinckley turning around in his seat to watch the choir sing. His face had so much love and light in it and it touched me. I listened to him speak and felt truth and power in his testimony. It was a turning point in my life.

I believe his message. I admire his stamina. I have no doubt the Lord will gather him in his arms and say, "Thank You." Maybe he'll get to rest now. But I doubt it. After the hugs and rejoicing reunions, I bet he'll say, "What would Thou have me do now?"

I feel impressed to go forward with a goal I've been contemplating for weeks now. Calamity Jane read the Book of Mormon in a week earlier this month. Deep within myself, I knew as I read about her experience that it was something I wanted to do too. I've waited and wondered when the best time for this challenge might be and I think the time is Now. President Hinckley promised us a year ago that reading the book of Mormon would change our lives and our families. I'm going to accept his challenge one more time. Because I believe the promise and I believe him.

God bless this man.