Pres. Monson

Yesterday commenced with a Solemn Assembly--the title given to the conference after the former President of the Church passes and the new President takes over. There was much mentioned about the passing of Pres. Hinckley and Pres. Monson now as the President of the Church. Truly Pres. Monson has been prepared for this all this life. At the age of 22 he became a bishop on the west side of a congregation of over 1,000. This ward featured the most welfare cases in the church as well as 85 widows. Pres. Monson visited all of the these widows and would give them a chicken to roast that he had raised himself. His selfless service would continue as he would be called a few years later in a Stake Presidency and then at the age of 32 a Mission President in Canada. At the age of 36 he was called as an Apostle and has served for the last 44 years in that capacity, including as a counselor to three presidents.

I have been lucky enough to have my life intertwined, even if in a small way to his. My dad's sister Lynn has been his secretary or executive assistant since when he he has was first called as an apostle. During which time I have benefited in so many ways from this association. I have met with Pres. Monson on many occasions and have always found him to be affable, friendly, happy, and compassionate. When my dad was in the hospital he came and visited more than once and gave him a blessing. At his passing I spoke with him at my dad's funeral.

I guess I have always known that at some point he would become the President of the Church--now it is here. He truly cares about all people as evidenced by his lifetime service and compassion. He makes everyone feel welcome and validated and seems to always have time for others.

Here is some sage wisdom from Pres. Monson: My dad expressed to me that he had been instructed by Pres. Monson that when giving a blessing to someone that is sick or ill that you should never be in a rush. You should visit with the person and find out as much as you can about the illness or surgery, taking careful consideration of details such as the type of care they are receiving or what the doctor will be doing or what they have already done. In the process of giving the blessing you should always bless them to get better unless directed otherwise by the Spirit.

When I stood as he and the first presidency came in the conference center I felt a confirmation that he was indeed the President of the Church. We were front and center last night at the Priesthood session, sitting on the second row straight in front of the pulpit. They were incredible seats. When the choir sang you could feel the spirit of the songs and the beauty of their voices. As my friend Greg commented, "This is the way to watch conference."

President Monson is truly the President of the Church, a prophet of God. He is a man who has met with political and religious leaders throughout the world, making inroads where ever he can. Yet perhaps more impressive is that the meek and the lowly call him friend. His storytelling, impressive memory are nice, but his legacy will be his compassion and fervor to help those in need.