President Thomas S. Monson, 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints passed away on January 2, 2018.

I had the great privilege of shaking his hand when I was a little 10 year old girl. I was at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with my Achievement Days group, when we decided to go up to the top floor to look at the temple. While we were waiting for the elevator, President Gordon B. Hinckley, then 15th prophet, came walking around the corner. Just at the same time, our elevator opened and he walked right in.  We always joked the Prophet stole our elevator.

Of course, we were too much in shock to enter in with him or ask to shake his hand. He was so jovial.

Once the next elevator came, we rode it on up to the top floor. When we got off, we walked into a sea of apostles and well-known church members. Apparently it was one of the general authority’s birthday. We stood there for a moment, when Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency came over.

I didn’t realize how tall he was! And not only tall, but big in stature. He said hello and shook our hands. He was so friendly and kind to us–even though we were the least of importance I”m sure for him to socialize with that night.

Since then, I’ve heard countless stories of him reaching out to the ONE. He followed a prompting to visit a friend at the swimming pool who was about to take his life. He got there in time before his friend in a wheelchair pushed himself in.

He was the bishop of a ward with tons of widows, many of whom he’d visit often.

He had a sense of humor and love telling stories.

I know President Monson was a prophet of God. I know because I felt it when I shook his hand and when I’d see him in General Conference. There was a spirit about him and I could tell that he loved the Lord and loved his work.

How grateful I am that we have a living prophet that continues to guide God’s church on the earth today. Our prophet never receives pay for his work, but rather devotes his time to serve as a way to show his love and devotion to God.

I’m also grateful that even though he has passed away, the church has received revelation on who will be the next prophet. We don’t vote or apply. God knows who He needs the prophet to be and I’m grateful there is no turmoil in this process.

We Thank Thee oh God, for a Prophet.