Bishopric

We learned 2 Sundays ago that our beloved bishop would be moving across the country to a better climate for his health.  I am excited for his family and their new adventure, but they are our neighbors and will be greatly missed!  Bishoprics change periodically in our church anyway, and he had already served for over 4 years, but knowing a change is coming is always a little exciting and nerve-wracking.  It is SUCH a big job to be a bishop, and it is all volunteer time. 

Dallin and I went to ward temple night on Wednesday and came home to some excitement from the kids.  The whole stake presidency had shown up at our house while we were gone.  "Just in the neighborhood and wanted to get to know us better."  so they said.  Apparently they stood on our doorstep for quite some time, asking many questions about our family and Dallin in particular.  The kids thought it was kind of exciting, but didn't think too much of it until we reminded them that we were expecting a new bishopric soon.  None of us expected that the change would happen so quickly as we know that the bishop still has to get his house ready to sell.  Late that evening, we got a call from the Stake Presidency asking us to come for an interview the following evening.

So we had a whole day to mull over what might be in store.  We were both pretty concerned about the calling of bishop, and didn't feel ready for it.  It was a good possibility, though, especially with the personal visit our family received the evening before.  I was mainly concerned with supporting Dallin in a position that would put him in a public spotlight that would be extremely uncomfortable for his very private nature.  I knew that whatever service we were asked to give, the Lord would give us the tools and strength to rise to the challenge. 

We finally got to the office and Dallin was asked to accept a position as 2nd counselor in our new bishopric.  They expressed concern and thoughtfulness of my pregnancy and offered us some time to consider if there was a reason it would be too much of a burden for our family.  I think we were both pretty relieved that it was not bishop, so 2nd counselor seemed just fine.  They took us into the next room to meet the new bishop without telling us beforehand who he was.  We were delighted to see our friend and neighbor with his wife.  Dallin had worked a lot with Andy May in scouting, and it was a sweet experience to sit with that couple for a few minutes and talk about the new responsibilities while we waited to meet the 1st counselor.  Interestingly enough, Dallin had had an impression that morning that he would be working with Brother Waite.  I had had an impression just minutes before of the same thing while we were talking to the Stake Presidency.  It was neat to have that impression confirmed when he and his wife walked in the room.  We all received some council and visited together and were asked not to share the news except with family that might want to come. 

Three days later, I found myself a little more anxious than usual about getting everyone ready for church on time.  Dallin's parents and nephew Ben stopped by and then headed up to the church.  A few minutes later my parents stopped by.  They had driven over 3 hours to be with us even though they knew they would not be able to stay for very long.  The meeting was really touching as love and appreciation were expressed for our old bishopric and encouragement and support offered for the new bishopric.  After the old bishopric each said a few words, our new bishop got up and promptly shattered the ice by telling about how he had a hangover when the stake presidency contacted him.  He meant jet lag, but the congregation roared with laughter at the mistake.  I think it helped everyone feel more at ease, though I fear he will never live that one down.  Many of our youth got up and bore testimonies as well as kind words about the change. 

After the meeting, we were asked to gather in a room for the ordinations and settings apart of the new bishopric.  Dallin had asked his dad to ordain him to the office of a high priest so he would be able to be set apart in the bishopric.  The blessing that was given to him was very touching and showed an incredible amount of love and confidence from his dad.  I think that experience will be cherished forever by Dallin and a great strength to their relationship.  His blessing from President Linford as 2nd counselor was also very beautiful and encouraging.  It was a powerful morning. 

I did not expect it to be a big deal for me.  I have gotten used to sharing Dallin with the scouts as he has served in scouting for probably 12 of the 17 years we've been married.  I've gotten used to him being gone and have learned to appreciate the privilege it is to be married to somebody so dedicated to the Lord.  I have had plenty of Sundays where I came home alone with the kids and didn't see him much.  He has spent full weeks at Scout camps and had many many overnighters.  I have learned to find things I love to do and enjoy that I can feed the kids cereal and toast and have some "me" time. 

But when I got home from church on Sunday, it felt different.  I felt a loss and a loneliness that seemed to come from nowhere.  I felt the weight of responsibility I have to make my home a sanctuary for him when he is able to be here.  I felt the possibility that he would be weighed down with things he couldn't talk with me about and I wouldn't be able to help him.  I mostly felt that I had offered my friendship with him over to the ward and to the Lord and that I missed him terribly. 

It has been a hard transition.  I can't exactly put my finger on why.  It is not so much the time he is away from the family or any tangible thing.  It is just a feeling that we are yet again in transition and that there are new things to get used to.  It is a feeling that things are different but we don't know exactly how.  The weight of responsibility is real, and we both feel it, and we both know it will be a good thing and will keep us turning to the Lord for strength and peace.  I have definitely felt that feeling of transition and gloominess and loneliness these past few days, but I know it will be all right!

I felt my emotions surfacing this afternoon and feel completely physically and emotionally exhausted.  I'm grateful I could spend some time writing and clear my mind a bit.  I read in the scriptures today that all things are written by God, and it made me glad to know that He is a writer too.  No wonder it is so therapeutic.

...

The Challenge

I finished the first round of my Book of Mormon challenge in 20 days!  It was very exciting!  I found that reading through that quickly made the story line more easy to follow, and interesting things jumped out at me that I had never considered before.  It was especially sacred finding the names of the Savior, discovering the truthfulness that the book is truly a testament of Him.  After I finished, I wrote all of the names I found in my journal.  There were 133 different titles! 

The second time, I highlighted the actual words of the Savior in a new color.  This was also special and interesting as it helped me understand the Isaiah passages better than I ever have.  I love having those words highlighted in yellow forever to alert me to pay attention to His voice. 

I will add to this post as I finish the next readings.  I am 3 days away from the 3rd reading.  It is exercise: spiritually, mentally, and physically as it is still hard to stay awake sometimes.  I love that it has become a habit for me to sit up in bed as soon as I wake and begin my study.  Often Sullivan joins me on my bed when he wakes up.   It usually takes me about an hour to get through 26 pages a day.  This time through, I am highlighting the attributes or characteristics of Christ.  It has been more difficult because they are not as common as the other two topics.  It has made me anxious and excited to study other things, find answers to questions that have come up, take another serious try at the Bible and other scriptures, and for sure write more about what I learn.  I look forward to being done with the challenge so I can delve into some new things, but I am so grateful for what I am learning and how it is changing me. 

Round 4 will be highlighting the commandments and principles of the gospel.  I really enjoyed this time because there was a lot of marking to do.  It is another testament of His love that he has so many instructions for us. 

Round 5 will be highlighting the promises and blessings that come from following the commandments.  This round was so joyful!  What a happy way to end.  Our Lord truly loves to bless us and truly desires for us to be his! 

I did it!  And I finished each round in 20-21 days!  It was a wonderful experience.  My understanding of the message and purpose of the book has grown, and I am beginning to understand the gathering of Israel.  I probably have more questions now than ever, but it is exciting!

I'm glad I took the challenge!