F.W.

I had the great opportunity to go to a session of General Conference this weekend, so I figured I would write about that for my free write this week. I have gotten tickets for at least one session of General Conference every semester I've been at BYU and it has been such a great blessing. Obviously you can listen to the messages wherever you may be, but there's something about being in the presence of the prophet and the apostles and all of our other great leaders that changes it. Being in the room with them as they tell me to strive to do better makes me feel an even greater resolve to do better, because seeing them in person makes them seem more real. Watching them talk to each other before the session begins and seeing them meet their wives afterward and hold their hand and walk away brings these great men down to earth. Yes, they are men of God, but they are also just like us. I also just love going to the conference center, because it is so beautiful and such a remarkable tribute to President Hinckley.
It's very strange to hear the word prophet associated with anyone besides Gordon B. Hinckley. He's been the prophet for as long as I can remember. I vaguely recall President Howard W. Hunter, and even more vaguely remember Ezra Taft Benson. President Hinckley is basically all I've ever known. Thus, having a new prophet just felt odd at first. I have always loved President Monson, but I had a hard time thinking of him as the prophet before this weekend. I believed that he was, but a little part of me still expected President Hinckley to walk out, waving his cane in the air. But it was completely clear to me as I was listening to President Monson speak this weekend that he truly is called of God. He had a different spirit about him that let me know that he does have new keys and he is the head of this church. This weekend is something I'll never forget.