I am just getting some housework done before sitting down to watch President Hinckley’s funeral and I was remembering a fireside that I went to while going to college. I was there when President Hinckley gave his famous “Be” talk. I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on the “Be’s” and remind myself of the person I am trying to be.

Be Grateful-”Your very attitude toward life can be evidence of whether or not your are truly grateful for life, for the blessings you have, for the comforts and privileges and opportunities you enjoy, for the talents you have been given, for everything. Be grateful. Count your blessings and gifts and privileges and see just how long that list is.”

Be Smart-”Train your mind and your hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your life…By suggesting that you be smart, I do not mean smart-alecky or anything of that kind. I mean, be wise. Be intelligent. Be smart about training yourself for the future. Be wise about preparing for what lies ahead.”

Be Involved-”Be involved in good works…There is no substitute under the heavens for good, old-fashioned work. Most of the good done in this world is accomplished by people who set their minds to something and work until it is done.”

Be Clean-”There is nothing in all this world as magnificent as virtue. It glows without tarnish. It is precious and beautiful. It is above price. It cannot be bought or sold. It is the fruit of self-mastery. Delight in being clean.”

Be True-”Be true to what is right and fair and honest. Lend your strength to crusading against things that tear down the character of men and women. Stand up for integrity in your classrooms, among your peers, in your homes and families, and in the society of which your ar an important part. Your strong voice is needed.”

Be Positive-”I am suggesting that we look for the great good among those with whom we associate and live, that we speak of one another’s virtues and positivie qualities more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, and that our faith exceed our fears.” President Hinckley was always a very optimistic person…I love to hear him say how “wonderful” everything was. I think wonderful was probably his favorite word

Be Humble-”Recognize that everything you have–your time, your talents and skills, your health and energy, your accomplishments, and your very lives–come as free gifts from your Father in Heaven.”

Be Still-”The world is so noisy. There are voices everywhere trying to influence us. We all need time to think. We need to drown out the clamor and noise and simply be quiet. We need time to ponder and meditate, and to contemplate the deeper things of life.”

Be Prayerful-”You need His (God’s) help, and you know that you need His help. You cannot do it alone. You will come to realize that and recognize it more an more as the years pass. Live so that in good conscience you can speak with God. Get on your knees and thank Him for His goodness to you and express to Him the righteous desires of your hearts. The miracle of it all is that He hears. He respondes. He answers–not always as we might wish He would answer, but there is no question or doubt in my mind that He answers.”

I love President Hinckley and am grateful for his words that we have to read, study and learn from. I know that he is in a better place with his sweet wife who he loves so much. His humor, wit, and love will be missed by all. I just wanted to take a minute and recognize this man that I have grown to love so much throughout my life.