Meeting the Prophet

This was typed a week ago and posted today.

We had something very exciting happen to us today! Our newest little nephew was being blessed and we went to my BIL's homeward for the blessing.  He just happens to be in the same homeward as President Monson.  We were hopeful that he would be attending his home ward today even though it obviously doesn't happen much.  We got there a bit late and while Danny was parking the car, I took Cole by the hand and stood in the back of this MASSIVE chapel looking for a place to sit.  The overflow was full and the chapel is so big that I couldn't even see if there might be a spot on the front row.  I looked across the stand to see if President Monson was sitting up there but I didn't see him so I was immediately a little disappointed but right after that feeling, I felt the Spirit really strong and I heard someone say "Do you want to sit here?" I looked over to see President Monson sitting on the back row of the chapel with enough room on the pew for us! I was so glad to not only find a place to sit but to sit right next to the Prophet! Cole and I climbed over him (I'm SO grateful I didn't step on him in my heels) and he immediately smiled and made sure we had enough room.

I pulled Cole up on my lap and told him that he was sitting next to the Prophet and Cole's eyes were as wide as saucers.  He just stared at him with a half smile...and then President Monson wiggled his ears which REALLY caught Cole's attention as he just continued to stare and then he asked "how are you doing that?" President Monson smiled and told him he was magic.  Then Cole (while still staring) asked "But where is Thomas S Monson?" It was too funny.  He also got a high five by his HUGE hands.  He is large in stature!

Danny arrived a few minutes into the meeting and sat for the rest of the time next to the Prophet.  Yes, they shared a hymn book, yes they had casual conversation about Cole staring at his cousin.  He (the Prophet) noticed Cole staring at Ellie (his cousin) and commented that Cole was really interested in that "cute little blonde girl on the back row" and when Danny informed him that she was his cousin, he responded with "Oh, I just thought he was growing up!" :)

I love how reverently we sat. Arms folded and everything. Like we ever do that :)

As we sat there, I thought all the celebrities and seemingly "important" people in the world who I could be sitting next to at that moment and how if I was sitting by a "celebrity" I would probably get flustered and nervous (because I'm a nerd) but being in such a close proximity to the Prophet is like sitting in the Temple.  I felt calm and peaceful.  He radiates the Spirit and he is so unassuming and humble.

 It didn't take long for Cole to warm up to him, draw him a picture and go over to show it to him.

President Monson asked for a pen and drew the picture below (however, let it be noted that Cole turned the horse into a unicorn and added a tire swing to the tree as well as some additional fencing).  Then he colored it with the only 2 crayons we had that day...

Picture this: Cole with both of his hands on the Prophet's knees pouring over this picture that is being drawn.  It could have been a typical scene between a boy and his grandfather. I'm so grateful to Danny's brother for sneaking out his iPhone during the meeting to take some pictures.  It was for posterity so let there be no judging :) He also got a couple short video clips!

I couldn't stop thinking about how many people will never have the opportunity in this life to meet a Prophet of God.  It was one of those experiences that you don't want to end because you know it will never happen again.  Not many 5 year olds can say they've had that kind of exchange with the Prophet and it was so fun to watch Cole experience that.  It was such a neat experience and I hope I don't forget the way I felt.  It's made me want to be better.  I know I'll probably never be as righteous as he is but I can strive to have the Spirit with me in my life the way he does.  Just thought we'd share what it was like to meet such a wonderful man!