Encounter with truth

Yesterday I went to the mountains to read-not my scriptures but some leisurely reading.  Peaceful, with light coming through the leaves.  When I my eyes strained to read at twilight, I left.  I realized I was hungry, and I craved chips.  I stopped at the convenience store close to the mouth of Provo Canyon.  I walked in, looked at the crackers then turned around to look at the chips.  I turned around, and a man in a Hawaiin shirt made some comment about my BYU shirt and shook my hand.  At that point I realized the man was President Monson!  There in the convenience store!  He moved on after shaking my hand, and I kept looking at the chips but not really seeing them as I focused on the feeling in my heart.  There in the convenience store, despite pop music and junk food, I felt the Spirit tell my heart that man is the Prophet.  The Prophet of God, mouthpiece of the Lord for the whole earth.

After finally purchasing some chips, I drove away but didn't go home.  I reflected on meeting the Prophet.  I realized I don't feel ready to meet the Savior.  And I realized exactly what I need to change to be ready.  So, starting then, I committed to change.  I also realized how important it is to look, act and be a Saint, at all times and in all places, not just on Sunday or in the temple.  My heart softened, and I felt so blessed.  I felt the love of God.  What a blessing it is to have a Prophet, who speaks regularly and gives God's counsel.  What a blessing to have the fulness of the gospel so I can be a Saint.  I love Jesus Christ, I know living the teachings of the Church bring me to Him, and I know for myself that Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet.