Be True

I've been on a lot of runs over the last few years. I have run many miles in warm sunshine, through cool drizzles, torrential downpours, and soft white snow. But yesterday's long run was by far my favorite time spent running. Our usual Saturday group (uaually 6-8 people) blossomed to 17 runners. Many new people joined us in running as a tribute to Gordon B. Hinckley, the fifteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He passed away last Sunday. He was a man of great energy and spirit who encouraged me to try to be a little better every day. He lived what he taught and accomplished more than a dozen men normally would in their lifetimes.

When our group met at 6 AM the sky was dumping cold rain. It was dark outside, but spirits were high. We each stuck one the "Be's" that President Hinckley taught on our backs. It was a site to see so many people literally wearing what they believe: Be True, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be Humble, Be Prayerful, Be Grateful, Be Involved, Be Positive, Be Still. We each had different goals and distances to cover, so it turned out that after a mile Kelly and I were alone together on a very dark road in the pouring rain. We knew we had 15 more miles ahead of us and in the dark and cold - it seemed very daunting. We had never run this particular route in the dark before. We struggled to adjust our watches and iPods in the rain under a lone street light around mile 3. That is where we took this picture of ourselves. Boy, was it cold! And I was already soaked clean through. It was at this point that we stopped chatting with each other and turned on our iPods. Individually we listened to addresses given by President Hinckley. His familiar voice in my ears was warm and comforting. Gradually the dark gave way to early-morning light, and the pounding rain turned into soft white snowflakes. The back road we traveled wound through fields, farms and vineyards. Our surroundings gradually turned soft and quiet as we ran mile after mile. Soon there was enough snow on the ground that we left footprints behind us. And all the while I listened to President Hinckley encouraging me to stand a little taller. As I considered the life he led, the miles he crossed and all he accomplished for the gospel's sake I knew I had it within me to not only finish this long run strong, but live my life with more enthusiasm for what I know to be true. I must have listened to him speak for over 2 hours. They were all talks given in the last few years. As I listened to one after another the common threads of his message were clear: love, tolerance, charity, kindness and a deep and abiding faith. As I caught big snowflakes on my tongue (and a few in my eyes) I heard President Hinkley talk about the Martin Handcart company crossing the Sweetwater River. Their plight has always struck me - how desperate was their situation! They were alone and facing the elements with nothing to eat or keep them warm, and hundreds of miles from a warm refuge. Some of my own ancestors were a part of that pioneer group and suffered permanent ailments their entire lives as a result of that cold trek. I felt more grateful than I ever have for the sacrifice of those pioneers. I was completely wet but not cold, and I was carrying water and electrolytes. At the end of my run I would enjoy my warm house, a hot shower and a cup of steaming hot cocoa. With all of the advantages and comforts I have been given, there is no reason why my life should not be extraordinary. I can be doing a little better.With just a few miles until the end of my long run I heard Presidnet Hinckley bare his testimony of a loving Heavenly Father and of our living Savior, Jesus Christ. While running through the driving snow and sloshing through the slush collecting on the ground I felt completely warm inside and out. I realized that I was smiling, and that I had been for quite a while.

Part of the beauty of the entire experience was that I was sharing it with friends that mean a great deal to me. Along with the 16 others who started the run with me, I knew there were dozens of others in many places doing the same thing, and appreciating the life of a remarkable man. It wasn't only the man himself I felt we were celebrating : More than anything we were celebrating all that we could become because of what he has taught us. We have strength in our numbers as we support each other and cheer each other along.I ended up running most of this particular run with one of my dearest friends I've ever had. Even though we were listening to our own iPods we were having parallel experiences as we ran together. Knowing I wasn't alone made the experience that much more beautiful. We marveled together at our unearthly surroundings: rolling hills and tall trees blanketed in soft whiteness. My spirit was so high - the last mile felt effortless and I thought I could run forever.

I am so grateful for Erin's challenge for so many of us to run together with one heart and mind. I have a renewed love and appreciation for a prophet of God. And most important, I have renewed faith in myself to stand a little taller, be a little kinder, and to finish my daily races with greater optimism and enthusiasm.