THE NEXT GENERATION




i was excited this morning to learn that today was the day they would announce the new president of our church. we all, of course, new who it was going to be, but for some reason i had forgotten that they were also to announce a new counselor in the first presidency as well.

my roommate and i had been out doing laundry and made it home just in time to watch the announcement via the computer. the sister missionaries, who live just down the street, had come over to watch it with us and so in awe we stood in my ugly purple kitchen where we stationed the computer, and watched and listened to this broadcast.

the spirit filled our kitchen and my heart as i watched the three men that would lead the next generation of church members into this final dispensation. i listened as with a calm confidence, President Monson answered some of the more "hot-button" topics the church faces daily.

i began to realize the kinds of power each man possesses:

President Monson with his ability to teach by way of the parable, the way the savior taught. having worked hard all of his years with such compassion and grace. he has learned at the feet of his dear long-time friend the late President Hinckley and coupled with his own experiences of service in our church, has evolved into an amazing leader.

President Eyring who is never afraid to show that the spirit touches his sweet soul in such a way that tears flow freely. he urges the sinner to come back, he prays for those who struggle and he pleads for all of us to do better. his tenderness is his tool.

President Uchtdorf who carries a huge presence with him. he speaks with authority, the kind that makes you sit up a little taller in your seat and take note. he is a powerful man, one with the kind of leadership that is needed to possibly be used to confront the tougher subjects and those that would oppose us as a church.

i am excited to see the ways in which the church will grow and evolve with the new leadership. President Hinckley will be missed greatly and i know i will personally feel the void of his spirit in the next conference and those to come. he truly made a marvelous impact on how i live my life and how i see myself as a woman of God and as a woman of this church.