Monday, February 4, 2008

My Hero, Pres. Hinckley

I watched Pres. Hinckley's funeral with mixed emotions. It is wonderful to think of him with his wife, but I will miss him so much! When his daughter Virginia spoke, it was revealed to me how difficult his last few years of service must have been for him. How very heavy his calling must have felt as he grieved for his sweetheart. I can relate a tiny bit, I suppose, as my calling as Primary president has felt almost unbearably heavy at times over the last few weeks. But if Pres. Hinckley could put on his shoes every morning and go to work, even at his advanced age, and without his spouse, surely I can do the small duties required of me by my calling, burdened by the grief I still feel. Pres. Hinckley will always be my hero! I think of him and how well he endured to the very end, and literally feel strengthened and a renewed desire to serve faithfully. May my loss be similarly turned to good as I put my faith in the Lord!


Here is an excerpt from Sis. Pearce's talk:
“At no time was this growth process seen more forcefully by us as a family than during the past four years, the capstone years of his life. Following the death of Mother, his grief was almost overwhelming. Characteristically, he acknowledged it — felt it, wept and mourned deeply. He went to the Lord with his tears, thus allowing the loss to carve out an even deeper place in his heart for compassion and dig an even deeper well of faith and trust in God. Then, with that increase in compassion and faith, he put on his shoes and went back to work — in every sense of the word."


Together forever

5 comments:

Devin and Melinda said...[Reply to comment]

His life is a good example for ALL of us! Thanks for sharing!

Becky said...[Reply to comment]

His influencing so many lives has not ended with his death.

Mandy said...[Reply to comment]

Thank you so much for sharing this message, Michelle.

snbjork said...[Reply to comment]

Thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts on President Hinckley. I feel like I need to copy and paste everything you said onto my blog so more people can read it (but I won't!). =) I miss you so much! We should be neighbors.

Jen said...[Reply to comment]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Pres. Hinckley and the passing of your sweet baby Benjamin. You are also a wonderful example of pressing forward even in our trials. I loved the younger picture of Pres. Hinckley and his wife. I don't think I have seen that before.