HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WHO?

Some of you may not know who this man is. And you know, at one point in my life I didn't know who he was either. I was a young teenager when I first met this man in person. It seems so long ago, but I remember the experience as though it was yesterday. It was the first Friday in April, and the sun was definitely shining this spring afternoon. I remember the bloom of beautiful flowers and the smell of freshness that engulfed the air. We were there that weekend to attend General Conference, where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can listen to men and women leaders of the church. These conferences, everyone can gain some inspiration and direction on life. Things like how to bring more joy into our lives, becoming better in what we're already good at, or how to improve areas we need to be better at, and how to overcome adversity and the tough things that life throws at us.

Most importantly, to know how much we are loved by Jesus Christ and by learning of Him and following Him can bring happiness into one's life. I was not a member of the church, and I also have never been to Utah or Salt Lake before. My friend's father, who was our chaperone, took us around the sites the day before the conference. General conference was being held in the newly constructed Conference Center that was built specifically for these gatherings. We visited the new conference center as well as 'This is the place monument' and then went to Temple Square to see all the historical buildings.

While walking through temple square on the south side of the historic Salt Lake Temple, my friend's dad said, "Look, boys, there's Elder Nelson." He was walking straight towards us. Apparently, every one of my friends seemed to know him, but I was oblivious to who he was. My friend's dad stops Elder Nelson and says, "Hello Elder Nelson, we're from Oregon and here for General Conference for the first time. These boys have never been to Salt Lake. And I think it would be a great experience for them to shake your hand and meet an Apostle of the Lord." I did not know what that really meant. I mean, I know what an Apostle is from hearing about them in the bible but an Apostle today? And 'Elder'? What is that? I knew some of the Apostle's names like Peter, James, and John but don't recall an Elder Nelson.

As I extended my hand to this man, I remember looking into his eyes as he extended his hand to me. He smiled with his eyes and with his face. The sun was bright that day, but we were shaded by some big trees, and yet this man seemed to glow, maybe not glow, but his whole being seemed to shine. Not just his appearance but his warmth that came with his simple smile. A smile, I will never forget because it dug deep into my soul. In a way, he felt like family, like someone close, like someone I can trust. When I shook his soft, tender, hands, he asked with his gentle smile, "What's your name?" I responded, Gene. He then said, "It's nice to meet you, Gene. I'm happy that you are here." After just those few words and other handshakes, he had to go. When he left, I felt a little bit of me leave with him too. That moment, I felt a light that I have never felt before, but a light that has resonated with me forever.

At that time, I didn't really know what had happened. But I know that I left that moment different. I later found out that Elder Russel M. Nelson was one of the speakers at the General Conference we attended that weekend, he was a world-renowned heart surgeon and a latter-day Apostle of Jesus Christ. Meeting with an Apostle for the first time was the first of many that have changed my life forever. This man in this photo just turned 95 years old today and now he is the president and the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nearly twenty years later from that experience in temple square, I've become a member of that church. President Nelson, as well as many others - not just Apostles but good, kind and loving people, I have the privilege to meet, have shared their light with me. A light of hope, faith, safety, security, and most of all, love. Love that digs deep into our souls because it's a love that's calling us home. I know that we have prophets today and that Russel M. Nelson is God's prophet now. I know that through His prophet, He is sharing His light and love to all of us because He's calling us back home. I know this because of my own experiences and because the spirit has whispered it to me so many times that it is true.

Happy birthday President Nelson. And thank you for you!

"Our Father in Heaven cherishes His children, and He wants each of us to return home to Him.

I declare my devotion to God our Eternal Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ. I know Them, love Them and pledge to serve Them—and you —with every remaining breath of my life." 

-President Russel M. Nelson