We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet

On Saturday I watched the funeral of President Hinckley who passed away on January 27, 2008. I have been filled with very tender feelings over the past week and thinking of this dear man has brought tears to my eyes many times. Yet how grateful I am that he has been reunited with his cherished wife. As I have reflected on my feelings my thoughts have turned to a very specific memory.

When I was living in Virginia there was a regional meeting where President Hinckley would be in attendance. Mark and I decided to go and at the time Lauren was still a baby. The meeting was held about 1 ½ -2 hours away, so our driving time was significant round trip. When we got there Lauren was not too excited to sit for a meeting after a long car drive. As we sat waiting for the meeting to start and Lauren was being a pill, I had my doubts of why we had made the effort. I wondered what I would get out of this meeting while trying to wrestle with a two year old. It was becoming quite evident that I would be spending the majority of the meeting in the hall. I was not thrilled about having driven 2 hours to walk with Lauren in the hall of this large auditorium and not hear much of the meeting. Then everyone started to stand and began singing “We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet.” When I stood and began to sing I could see President Hinckley walking to his seat on the stage. At that moment I had the warmest feeling and knew without a doubt that President Hinckley was a prophet of God. I knew that is why I had come. I spent the rest of the meeting in the hall and I am not sure I heard any of the talks. But, I did hear the whisperings of the spirit and gained testimony of our beloved prophet.

President Hinckley leaves behind an amazing legacy from temples, to the perpetual education fund, contagious optimism, good humor, and love for the people. I think for me there were many qualities he had that I stood in awe. Yet I think my favorite was his ability to help me feel loved, understood, and that I was doing a great and amazing job; however, with all his praise he was still able to inspire me to do better and “stand a little taller.”

May we all “stand a little taller” as we remember this great man; a husband, a father, and a Prophet of God.