“There isn’t any doubt in my mind that the man who becomes the President of the Church is schooled and disciplined by the Lord over a long period of time for this responsibility. In that process his individuality is not blurred; rather it is sharpened. The Lord trains a man and disciples him. He tests his heart and his substance. And in a natural process that he directs, He moves through the Quorum of the Twelve a man to become the senior apostle who on the death of the President becomes the President of the Church. There is no campaigning but only the quiet operation of a divine plan that provides inspired and tested leadership. The Lord is at the helm of this work, and the President of the Church is an instrument in His hands to carry forward this work and to strengthen His kingdom.” –Gordon B. Hinckley “Forward with Faith” xvi

I think it's beautiful, that our very own prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said what the Lord himself would say at the passing of another prophet, so one could fill in his stead. He said this quote more than 15 years ago, probably describing his own life of growth and sharpening, when in essence it is what Heavenly Father does to each of his prophets as they are molded and strengthened into becoming the next prophet. It is easy to see how President Monson's life has been just what President Hinckley said each prophet's life is like. I sustain and love President Monson and feel a special kinship toward him. When all else fails, as President Hinckley has said many times, "If we have a prophet, we have everything. If we don't we have nothing." I know President Monson was raised up to be our next prophet. It is almost a bittersweet thing to see and say as I just started reading President Hinckley's biography today, but I know that no matter what, the Lord will always take care of His people and His church. It will always be lead at the helm by one who knows what to do, because that man will be directly guided by the Helm!