Maybe this is Mormon folklore, but I have it from a source, only once removed. So from me to you it’s twice removed. Pretty reliable, right?
Pertinent background info: A member of the church has a friend at work. They talk a lot, the member shares information about the church. They have good conversations, the friend knows more about Mormons as a result of the relationship.
Story: The friend is traveling internationally and meets a nice older gentleman. They strike up a conversation and she finds out the gentleman is also a member of the church. She tells him about her co-worker. They talk and have a friendly conversation. As their meeting is coming to a close he asks her to tell her friend hello. Puzzled, she asks, “Will she know you?” He answers, “Yes, she probably will. Tell her Tommy Monson says hello.”
I love it! What an awesome example. Our prophet, responsible to receive revelation for the whole entire world, the president of a worldwide church, is making new friends in the process of his daily life and travels. He’s striking up conversations and sending hellos to members whom he knows will get a huge lift with those few words. He is a people person–being a friend, making connections. I bet there’s no one busier, and yet he finds the time. Elder Lansing of the Seventy spoke at our stake conference this past weekend and he shared a story of President Monson taking time to help his long-time friend, Elder Marion D. Hanks, who is in the hospital with Alzheimer’s disease. He went and looked up old newspaper clippings or found yearbooks from when Elder Hanks had been in school and copied pictures that he brought with him when he went to visit. He hoped that it would help him remember, so he’d have something to talk about with his grandchildren when they come to see him. The prophet did that. Figured out what might help, went out, researched, made copies, and went to the hospital to visit-all for the love of his friend.
I have been busy lately. Annoying to even say it, right? We’re all busy. But I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, sometimes frustrated, tired, etc. I have good intentions that don’t turn into action, boo! I am going to be more like President Monson. I love him.
How does this inspire you? Any other “reliable” stories you can share?
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