Priesthood Session - Pres. Monson

[Guest]

I usually don't post on the weekends.  But I had to share some thoughts on the Priesthood session tonight.

President Monson gave the closing remarks in Priesthood Session today.  I found an interesting insight between the subject of his talk and what happened afterwards.

His talk was about the Word of Wisdom.  He told the story of a man who had just escaped death because he prayed asking for the blessings of the Word of Wisdom to be granted to him (strength and that the destroying angel pass him by).  The man prayed expressing that he'd always kept the word of wisdom and tried to live a healthy and righteous life.  He needed help at that moment and was given strength that was superhuman.

I had always tried to pay special attention to the Prophet's words if none else.  But my heart went out to him as he was showing signs of his age (89).  I also found it interesting that of all the different talks that people had given thus far in conference, he chose the word of wisdom.

As the session ended, I was going to gather my sons and get out before the parking lot became a zoo.  But my eye caught several men gathering at the front of the chapel.  They were all looking at the screen.  I watched as well.  I saw Pres. Monson walking along with his escort right beside him.  The camera angle was from the seats just behind and to the side of the speaker.  The brethren in the audience had all stood to show respects as he walked out.  The Prophet waved to them.  They waved back.  But I saw a look of concern rather than happiness in many of their faces.

Just then my son, Bubba (just ordained a deacon, first priesthood session) tugged at me to remind me that it was time to go.  I pulled him in and turned his head to the screen.  I whispered in his ear,"This may well be the last time we see the Prophet alive.  Let's appreciate the time he is with us."

On the ride home I wondered about the story he had told.  I wondered again why the Word of Wisdom.  Why the story?  That story.  Word of Wisdom.  Health.  Pres. Monson.

Was the Prophet asking for just a little longer to accomplish something special?  Was he asking for us to pray for him so that he might receive the blessing promised him in the WoW?  What was his "one last thing" he wanted to do before the Lord called him home?  I'm not sure.  But I'll continue to pray for his health and strength.

[Larry Cotrell]

I'll admit, I didn't watch general conference all day, which is probably no surprise. However, I did watch President Monson speak. I found his talk interesting. It seemed that his message was indirectly directed (if that makes sense) toward himself in the sense that he was hoping for strength. It is also interesting because he is aware that it could be his last general conference, which emphasizes his message about the Word of Wisdom more than almost anything else could. Like @Carborendum said, I wonder what the significance is behind him choosing this as one of his final messages.

[Guest]

His last talk this past conference was on the perfect path to happiness.