Cold Season

Wow, I have just been hit with the cold of the season. Seems like it has been every variety that I could have imagined. After being out for the past week, I am back at work, but man do I wish I was home. I am exhausted. As hard as I try, I am still in a fog and everything just seems to be passing me by. Oh well - what can I do but try to push forward.

The news sure has been interested. Last night at about 7pm, President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away. I have cried more than once, but not because of sadness. Rather it is for complete awe for what he has accomplished in his life. And it is not just his apostleship or him being a prophet. Sure what he has done in the past 13 years as a prophet is amazing, but even more is what he has done leading up to that holy calling. As a church employee I look at what he accomplished in absolute reverence. If I in my best of days can accomplish what he has done in the hardest of times. He always pushed himself to excellence. Looking for innovative ways to keep the work pushing forward. May I try to emulate him. There is a quote that I have heard, and people have attributed it to President Hinckley. It goes something like: It is one thing to study of the great leaders of our time, it is another to try to follow in their footsteps.

There is one thing that has really bothered me though. So much of the news has talked about what a great man he was - all that he did. There have been vigils, hymns, discussions etc. But I wonder if he is looking down encouraging the Lord's children to look to Heavenly Father and Christ's example rather than the life that the president lived. Sure he was a great man, and an amazing example. But I think he would be the first to tell you that he is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Maybe perhaps this should point us all to study more of Christ, and less of the world.