I was surprised to happen upon the news that President Gordon B. Hinckley died 2 hours ago. Considering that he was 97 and that his wife had passed away already, I can’t see this as an unhappy event. Having worked so hard for so long in the service of the Savior, I can’t imagine any man more deserving of the greeting on the other side that Enos expected to receive:
I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. (Enos 1:27)
I have little to say except that President Hinckley was one of the most influential of the general church leaders for me personally – certainly the most influential president of the church for me.
UPDATE 1/28: The thought just struck me that there is some poetic beauty in the fact that President Hinckley returned to his heavenly home on Sunday – a day of rest.
[...] Many others have written excellent farewells.
I’ve decided to write about the one time I stood near President Hinckley and locked eyes with him. [...]
I really liked this, especially the thought about Sunday, very sweet.
Thank you.
President Hinckley has done so much for so many. I honor him as a prophet, and friend. He specially loved the youth of the church. He has been a super optimistic in the face of some of the most troubling times this world has ever faced.
I found a site honoring him, where anyone can go to and leave a message in tribute to his memory.
The site is:
http://honoringpresidenthinckley.blogspot.com/2008/01/honoring-president-gordon-b.html
I am saden over the lost of President Hinckley but yet I rejoice in knowing he is with our Heavenly Father you will be missed but not forgotten