This morning as I was riding an exercise bike at the gym, I looked up to see Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's picture on the morning news. As the captions explained that he died last night, I felt especially saddened, then grateful for the good man he was. As an apostle for our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I have always loved Elder Wirthlin's humble wisdom and darling sense of humor. My father-in-law once said that Elder Wirthlin's talks in General Conference, although hard to understand at first (Elder Wirthlin's eyesight was failing in recent years) were always the best to re-read. I especially loved his talk from the October General Conference. It's so good, I hope you don't mind my quoting it. With the Christmas music playing, this advice seems like the perfect way to remember Elder Wirthlin and to welcome in the holiday season:__________________________________________________________
There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh.
I remember loading up our children in a station wagon and driving to Los Angeles. There were at least nine of us in the car, and we would invariably get lost. Instead of getting angry, we laughed. Every time we made a wrong turn, we laughed harder.
Getting lost was not an unusual occurrence for us. Once while heading south to Cedar City, Utah, we took a wrong turn and didn’t realize it until two hours later when we saw the “Welcome to Nevada” signs. We didn’t get angry. We laughed, and as a result, anger and resentment rarely resulted. Our laughter created cherished memories for us. . . .
I remember loading up our children in a station wagon and driving to Los Angeles. There were at least nine of us in the car, and we would invariably get lost. Instead of getting angry, we laughed. Every time we made a wrong turn, we laughed harder.
Getting lost was not an unusual occurrence for us. Once while heading south to Cedar City, Utah, we took a wrong turn and didn’t realize it until two hours later when we saw the “Welcome to Nevada” signs. We didn’t get angry. We laughed, and as a result, anger and resentment rarely resulted. Our laughter created cherished memories for us. . . .
The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.
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The whole talk is wonderful http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html if you have time to read it. May we all find more joy in this Christmas Season!
6 comments:
Dear Jessica,
Elder Wirthlin's talk was my favorite of the whole conference - it was our VT message in November. A dear man, wonderful example of love and laughter. He made us all smile!
Glad to see little Gabriel is doing so well. You have a beautiful little family.
Love ya!
Aunt Darlann
I hadn't heard about Elder Wirthlin, and I'm so sad to think he is gone. I agree with your Dad--I always realized while re-reading his talks how great they were. And this most recent talk was my favorite as well. And remember when he was talking about challenging the others members of the twelve to a footrace? Awesome. I will miss him.
um...I hope it's okay if I copy you and post something like this to my blog. Dear Elder Wirthlin...he will be so missed.
Okay Jessica Romney... We have tracked you down! This is Michelle Hansen (Nelson) your roommate at Ricks. I need to know what you've been up to these last 10 years! Drop me a line at michelle.nelson@gmail.com.
P.S. You look gorgeous!
This seemed to be the most quote talk of conference this time around--even before his death. What a fine, fine fellow. Sigh.
I can't believe you are a family of four! Didn't you just have Eleni? Crazy how time flies! What a cute family...I miss you guys! That little Gabe is sure cute. I'm glad his foot is better..what a trial for you!
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