Elder Wirthlin

I know this is a bit late in coming, but I've been thinking about Elder Wirthlin during the last week since he passed away. I've been especially touched by his talks during the last two conferences. Despite the apparent difficulties he was having with his health, his talks were filled with his humor, wisdom, and especially his testimony. There are three talks that I have thought of this week because they have been some of my favorites and ones that I like to come back to year after year because they are so good. So, I thought I would share for anyone that is interested (titles of talks are links to Ensign articles) as well as document them for myself to remember in the future.

He gave a devotional at BYU about gratitude called "Live in Thanksgiving Daily". I love to use this talk for family home evening around Thanksgiving time and then take time to make a list of all the things I am thankful for.

In 2002, he gave a talk titled "Follow Me". He tells the story of Peter and Andrew, and James and John and how they immediately gave up their nets to follow the Savior and then asks, “If the Savior were to call you today, would you be just as willing to leave your nets and follow Him?”

And the last one is his most recent address, "Come What May, and Love It". It was one of the highlights of last conference for me.

I enjoyed an Article from LDS Church News . Here is an excerpt:

The comical irony of life's unexpected fortunes was not lost on Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin when he spoke during the October 2001 general priesthood meeting.

Once known for his speed and power as a halfback for the University of Utah football team, he said, "I loved to run."

"And I did win a few races. I'm not so fast anymore. In fact, I'm not sure how well I would do in a race if the only contestants were the members of the Quorum of the Twelve."

The unexpected humor from his deadpan delivery caused a burst of laughter. "My ability to run is not so swift now," he continued.. . . I am looking forward to that future time when, with a resurrected body, I can once again sprint over a field and feel the wind blowing through my hair."

Joseph Bitner Wirthlin, the 88th member to be called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation, lived a life rich in experience, a testament to the Lord's promise that those who do the works of righteousness find peace and happiness in this life.