Maybe some of you are already reading Pres. Monson’s biography.  I’m crossing my fingers for Christmas.  I had the opportunity to hear Sis. Swinton share some stories and lessons she learned during this incredible journey she has been blessed to take.

In order to understand this man, she read forty-seven years worth of Conference talks and journal entries.  In many of his talks, it was clear that he favored one particular scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 84:88:

And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

It’s clear He believes this scripture and has put it to the test more than once.  Our prophet really does walk with God.  He’s told us before that once, when he didn’t listen to the Spirit, it was such a regrettable experience, he promised he would do whatever the Lord asked no matter how difficult, awkward, or tiring it seemed at the time.

She discovered that in his journals he consistently recorded experiences of the unsung people he met.  The Lord always seemed to point out the one person in the crowd who needed assurances.  You know those 85 widows he visited every Christmas?  He used his yearly two week vacation to visit them.  He also never missed a funeral.

Pres. Monson once flew to East Germany to give someone a blessing, only to fly back immediately to a busy schedule.  Sis. Swinton heard him pray for certain people in need that he was aware of; his list was long.  He uses his limited time well, with little excuse.

Maybe visiting neighbors and friends in need isn’t too much to ask of us.  Maybe it isn’t so difficult for us to pray for one another with a deep faith and love, and for those who need a boost.

We are very blessed to have a prophet who loves us, who takes his calling seriously, and can bear the burden with such gratitude and devotion.  Pres. Packer said of Pres. Monson, “He’s more Christlike than the rest of us.”  Sis. Swinton hopes that as we read his biography we will simply desire to be better.