We had planned on waking up very early to wait in line to get into the Conference Center. At the same time, we thought it would be great to share dough-nuts and hot chocolate with our in-line neighbors. About 6 o'clock last night, Russell called Ben and I and told us that he had received tickets to attend the funeral services, so we wouldn't have to spend the day in the cold.
So we didn't get up quite as early has we had planned. About 9 am we walked over to the North gate of temple square with 2 trusty cases of hot chocolate and 4 dozen doughnuts. In less than 10 minutes we had given away all the doughnuts and about 100 servings of hot chocolate to those facing the cold to bid farewell to the much beloved prophet. It was a great feeling to serve in such a small yet enjoyable way.
From there we went back to the apartment to join Kim before heading back to the funeral. Christi, Ben, Russell Kim, and myself all were able to attend together. It was a tender service. There were a number of moments that hit me with a feeling of love our departed prophet and for the leaders of our church who will continue to serve.
As President Hinckley was brought into the tabernacle before 18,000 viewers and a worldwide viewership, the 14 remaining apostles lined up as the casket past through. There was something so tender about seeing those men stand together.
Another significant moment was at the end when the casket was rolled out of the conference center. Instantly a large piece of the crowd held up white handkerchiefs and waived their own farewell to their leader. It was so special and at that moment brought forward the tears.
During the services, there were many kind words that were shared. One common sentiment was what President Hinckley's legacy will be. Unanimously they all spoke of the following legacy:
* He found a way for the youth to walk out of poverty through the Perpetual Education Fund (30,000 students have benefited from the funds)
* The influence on the Youth and the "Be's"
* The construction of the temples and the goal to hit #100 by 2001 - which was Boston; 75 temples were constructed during his presidency, and of the original 47 temples constructed, he took part in the dedication of 30.
* The Conference Center and it as a place of worship and a place to celebrate art.
* Missionary work and the push to increase missionary work. In the past 13 years, while he served - 400,000 missionaries were called (40% of all missionaries ever called) and 1/3 of the church members were baptized.
* The establishment of the Quorums of the Seventy which has accommodated to church growth.
* Contibuted to Church Education Programs - BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, Institutes, Seminary programs, and LDSBC
* A great communicator who opened the door of communication with the Church to the World.
* His love for life
* His committment to goodness
* His warm sense of humor
* His love of the people
* His optimism
* A man Heavenly Father prepared for us: A Man for a Season. A friend, a comfort, a lighthouse, a guide, a man devoted who devoted his life, and a Man who did good for God and Man.
During the words that President Eyring shared, here are couple quotes that I pulled out as he taught the man that he knew President Hinckley to be:
- President Hinckley's best is probably more than we could ever give but we must give our best to the Lord.
- Faith in his heart left no room for doubt or fear.
- His optimism came from his youthful choice to consecrate himself to the Lord.
- Do better to get the gospel into their hearts.
- Take the gospel of Jesus Christ down into our hearts as he did.
President Monson concluded with statement about President Hinckley. Here and there, the Master makes a giant among men.
In the final words of President Hinckley: DO AND BE THE BEST YOU CAN AND STAND A LITTLE TALLER.
0 comments:
Post a Comment