From Deseret News archives:
LDS prophet at home in the world as an optimist
I felt the same way last week after spending part of an evening with President Gordon B. Hinckley.
By the luck of the draw, my wife and I ended up sitting next to President Hinckley at the annual Deseret Morning News Board of Directors Holiday Dinner. It was a lively and often touching experience. At one point, I wished I could divide the time up into little segments and let all our readers spend a moment there. But that wasn't possible.
So I will play the role of Woody Guthrie.
You couldn't be there for the event, but maybe this little "song" will reach you.
It was a night of table talk filled with many topics ranging from Bolivia to Mark Twain and back again. At one point the conversation turned to high school. I asked President Hinckley if he'd played sports. He said, "no." I asked if he performed in high school plays. "No," he said. I asked what he'd done in high school.
There was a twinkle. "I went to school," he said.
We spoke about his hymn in the LDS hymnal and his other writing. I asked how many copies "Standing for Something" had sold. He honestly didn't know.
I asked if he planned to write another book. He said he'd been approached, but wondered if he could spare the energy. He spoke of the changing world and our changing times about the new Hispanic presence in the United States and the growing power of Asian nations in the world.
When my wife mentioned how much the young people of the church loved him, he talked about how kind people could be.
When I mentioned Africa, he talked about how he'd like to mingle more with the people, but his "baby sitters" (security staff) wouldn't allow it.
He seemed at home in the world.
As the meal wound down and he prepared to leave, my wife mentioned how good the food had been.
That's when he pointed to the chocolate cake near her plate. Then came the twinkle.
"The best," he said to her, "is yet to come."
And that, in the end, is my song. I wish you could have been there. I hope this column gives you a taste.
As for me, I now have a new motto. In fact, I think it is how I will remember President Hinckley. The eternal optimist literally eternal who will always bow in reverence, but never in defeat.
A man whose departing words to us were through a smile.
"The best is yet to come."
E-MAIL: jerjohn@desnews.com
Comments
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend 12:31 a.m.
- 'Cyber Monday' sales top records 12:29 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game 12:26 a.m.
- No drugs in driver of Am.F. band bus 12:15 a.m.
- Governor Mansion to begin free tours 12:14 a.m.
- Head of Mexico Consulate dies 12:14 a.m.
- Gas pipeline gets preliminary OK 12:13 a.m.
- 10-year-old's 911 call saves mom 12:12 a.m.
- Jazz photo gallery 12:07 a.m.
- Scholars defend 'Messiah' 12:04 a.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Max Hall issues apology
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Boy shot following traffic stop
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
379 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
370 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
316 - Utes won't respond to Hall
257 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
120 - Religion in politics is tiresome
110
A comprehensive listing of missionary reunions being held this week.
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
There are some games I love not on your list. Arkham Asylum for one.
Our parents made my brothers help kill and clean our rabbits before we ate...
Why would you keep it open? I would understand if there was a lot of amazing...
The government will run our health care well? Read Reader's Digest, November...
TCU stomped on the MWC so they are naturally ready to crush Florida, Alabama...
could you understand Dave Locke any more than my mom does and she is not even...
Attending the ND/BYU game 3 years ago in south bend, a couple of things stuck...
I missed the game, actually i heard a little bit of Locke on the radio (man...
quotes were good: Article was dumb and unnecessary.
I believe the art depicting Joseph looking at the plates may possibly be...



You can be the first to comment on this story.