Today the world will honor and celebrate the life of President Thomas S. Monson.
I had the privilege of meeting him. This is a memory I will always cherish.
He had a house in Midway, UT a few streets up from my Grandparents' house. He and his wife would often eat at the Burger Joint my Grandma and Grandpa owned.
One day while we were there visiting he came in with his grandson to eat. It was just the two of us. He chatted with us and entertained us with story after story until his food was ready. (Too bad! I could have listened to his stories for hours.)
After Grandpa died and Grandma got sick, even though he was super busy, he still found time to reach out and stop by Grandma's home to check on her and visit with her.
His example of service and giving so freely of himself to others is something I will always remember about him.
I love that he taught the gospel through stories. He has always been one of my favorite General Conference speakers.
In honor of him, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite President Monson quotes:
"[W]e do not ever walk alone. I promise you that you will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times, and you will realize that He was always there beside you"
“[U]nless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”
“Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”
“Find joy in the journey—now.”