Gordon B. Hinckley~Gone But Never Forgotten

It has been a very cold, snow-laden winter in Utah. But yesterday the sun shone brightly for the family and friends of our prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, as his mortal body was laid to rest. It was a bittersweet day for us all as we watched the funeral procession and the funeral service sent around the world. He was a beautiful, wise and loving man, Prophet, and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (He was also the great great uncle of Spencer & Ross.) He planned his own funeral service, requested speakers, etc. and I can just imagine there was a directive from him saying, skip the adulations and just teach the gospel. He was a man of humble character. When Sheri Dew wrote his biography she quoted him as saying, "Now Sheri, do be careful, don't try to make a quarter into a dollar bill." He was so amazing in his accomplishments but he always gave the credit to Lord.


One of the things that I thought of this morning in preparation for our family history class today is that we are so blessed to have countless videos preserved of his teachings. We will still be able to see him, hear his voice and learn from him even though he has departed this life. The essence of who he was and what he did will live on indefinitely. His life has been well recorded by him and others and he left many journals and books behind that share his precious messages to the world. He has left great comfort to millions of people, as well as his immediate family through these efforts. I think that in the days, months and years ahead many will find peace because he was willing to preserve what was important to him.


Each of us, on a much smaller scale can preserve our own lives through keeping a journal or a blog, scrapbooks , or something that will be a great comfort to our own loved ones when we are no longer here. I know that even now, if I find something that has any writing of my parents on it, even a signature, it becomes a valued treasure for me. Their lives that they felt were so ordinary and mundane would be captivating reading for me now. Recording our testimonies of what is important to us in this life is a monumental gift of our time and heart for our posterity. And when we are old and gray it will be a great source of remembrance for us of all the blessings in our lives. It seems like a daunting task but in reality a few words here and there, can accomplish much for good. You can eat the elephant one bite at a time.

Our Prophet, President Hinckley has left us another perfect example to follow.

Even though his mortal body is laid to rest, I doubt seriously that that is what he is doing now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvB3z2U8DEo