The passing of a prophet...

Prophetic Passing

I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.

I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son.

I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since theres no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward - there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008

One of the last talks President Gordon B. Hinckley gave before his life ended has been on my mind all week. It is called "Slow to Anger", and can be read here. I find his words consoling. I have been fighting the urge to confront someone in my family who has been neglectful and thoughtless and has caused a great deal of damage out of complete selfishness. I know, especially in this case, that anger is a legitimate emotion, one with which my Father can relate. I feel comfort as I try to work my emotions out in my mind and through prayer, because I know they've already been endured and the price has already been paid for these trials.

I'm learning that it is how you respond to anger that matters. Given that anger was misused in my home growing up, I struggle with an effective way of venting while staying in control. It's like a reflex to lash out as I've seen done time and time again. I think that's why I have tried to develop such a positive outlook, finding the good in everything. I find that if my mind is not already active with positive thinking I am more susceptible to losing it and letting the negative consume me. It's like working a muscle, I guess you could say - by exercising control and restraining myself/biting my tongue I am able to become stronger, even as "he that ruleth his spirit". (Proverbs 16:32)

It is primarily in honor of this great man that I share these thoughts with you, but also because there is indeed so much anger in this world. Misery loves company. Some unhappy people will not rest until everyone around them is also unhappy. It's sad how quickly it spreads, but we do have the power to stop it. We are blessed with agency - to choose how we will respond - no matter what our circumstances are. Peace is possible.