Have we not reason to rejoice?

When I heard about President Hinckley’s (Prophet in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) death on Sunday night, I thought of how I would miss hearing his voice in General Conference and how many times I’ve been inspired by his messages, but my first thought was “Good for him.”

I’ve felt so sorry for him since his wife passed away. What a busy and lonely calling his must have been, and how much harder to not have someone to confide in. I admit I’ve felt a bit of a reluctance to say “amen” when I heard someone pray for his life to be extended. As a church, we love him, but we can survive without him. There is beauty in the organization of this church and how seamlessly leadership can change. I’ve had to roll my eyes at hearing on the news how all of the church is in mourning for him. Of course we miss him. But of all doctrines about death I’ve ever heard, ours is the most full of hope and promise. We absolutely know that when we die we return to Him who created us. And we can be sure that our Prophet knew and knows our Savior so that the transition from this world to the next one was only joy and rejoicing. He is with his wife, whom he spent his life with and also with his God whom he spent his life serving. I can think of no more joyful tidings than this. And can only look in awe at his one final, loving example for us to try and follow.