Elder Wirthlin passed away on Monday night. (news release, his life).
A little over a year ago he spoke on The Great Commandment at the October 2007 General Conference. It is a talk I hope not to soon forget. It is powerful to read, but watching it is even more powerful, and even still brings tears to my eyes (video).
At the 6:45 mark on the video he says, “Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life.”
About a minute and a half later (approximately 8:20) you can watch as one of those simple acts of kindness and caring is extend to him from one of his brothers in the twelve who cares a great deal for him. It is not a dramatic scene that will be immortalized by poets and writers. It is simply extending a supporting arm for someone who is struggling. And that arm was there for him for as long as he was going to need it.
It is a beautiful talk on loving others, but also on the love our Heavenly Father has for us, His children.
“We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming.”
“The most cherished and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love. The greater the measure of our love, the greater is our joy. In the end, the development of such love is the true measure of success in life.”
“Do you love the Lord? Spend time with Him. Meditate on His words. Take His yoke upon you. Seek to understand and obey.”
“Love is the greatest of all the commandments-all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ. It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives.”
What wonderful words on love from a man who loved much and was loved much. He will be missed.
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
I am watching the funeral services right now and his son quoted his General Conference talk from October 2006. It was another one that deeply touched me, words to remember when things are difficult.
Each of us will have our own Fridays–those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death–Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.
No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or in the next, Sunday will come.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Sunday Will Come,” Ensign, Nov. 2006