(The dove that has been living on Hannah's windowsilland waking her up every morning)
So, if you haven't heard yet, I was released as the Primary President after serving in that calling for almost 4 years, in addition to serving as a counselor before that for 2. Bishop Wright talked to me before we left and I was released while we were in Europe. I had mixed feelings - relief, sadness, hoping that I had done the best job I could have. My kids responded to the release with, "What are you going to do now?" Which was right on the money because primary has consumed my life for the last decade. I found myself wondering - Could I sit through church without corralling children, teaching a lesson, or singing all of my favorite primary songs??
I thought about all of these things as Jeff and I were away on our dreamy trip. Also looking back on all we had accomplished in the last 20 years of our marriage - graduating from college, having babies, dealing with toddlers & tantrums, moving to Michigan, owning 4 different houses, watching each of our kids leave on the school bus for the first day of kindergarten...then middle school....and then high school...etc., etc.!!
We found ourselves wondering what the next 20 years will bring and, like I said before, it felt like the end of something great and the beginning of something new at the same time.
Then, we got back from our trip with a message from our Stake President, President Lantz, that he wanted to meet with both of us. We did just that and Jeff was called to be the Bishop of our ward. And at that moment, the moment the call was extended, I knew why I had been feeling the way I had. This was our next challenge and the next adventure for our family.
He was sustained last Sunday in our ward, as Bishop Wright was released, and since then we have been taking everything one day at a time! Here is the email Jeff sent out to the family, if you haven't had a chance to read it yet:
All — I'm not sure if I have all my email addresses right and not everyone is on Facebook. I was waiting to put this on the blog till after Amy put up the Europe Trip Post. If you notice a wrong address, please help for forward accordingly.
I was ordained last Sunday to be the Bishop of the Walled Lake Ward. Can you believe that! The term, "Bishop Day" hasn't been heard in Michigan since Dad and the early 70's in Parkview. I'm humbled by the call and it would be an understatement in terms of inadequacies I feel. There is much more to the call than I had imagined. I'm in awe of the trail Dad had to blaze in Parkview not only as a young bishop but actually naming the ward among his many undertakings.
It is a tremendous opportunity for our family to serve and one that we are all looking forward to. I've been trained well over the last several years despite still being an immature kid. And the fact that Dad and Mom are a phone call away, I'll have great advisors to lean on ;-). Most important, is Amy and the kids. They are great support and Amy my closest advisor in all things life!
I have a strong testimony that keeps me going. I trust the hand of the Lord will guide me and my family. Appreciate any suggestions from anyone on what makes a great bishop so I can figure it out quickly ;-).
Looking forward to catching up 1:1 in the coming weeks.
Jeff
9 comments:
What a blessing to have those "preparing" feelings before the call. Definitely a new adventure, but one Jeff will be wonderful at and one your family will be awesome at supporting him in.
Love to you all!
When Melanie told me and I in turn told my family, two of my kids (independently of each other) said "It's about time!" Apparently they had the "feeling" as well.
Jeff will be an awesome bishop. We're totally missing this new adventure in the WLW.
When you come up for air, will you come see us?
Now instead of being the "crazy high council man", he will be known as "Bishop Day"!?! It just sounds so weird! ha ha!!
He will do great, I'm sure!! But you know what they say??? Behind every great priesthood leader is a greater wife and family!! Woot-woot!!
Congrats on being released after a stellar 4 year term Amy!! And best of luck in all of your new adventures!! Can't wait to see what the next 20 bring! love you guys!!
so exciting! Bishop Day will do a wonderful job!! The Walled Lake Ward is so lucky to have your family.
Bring back the road show!
WOW! That's such great news. So many changes, but there has been so much preparation. You are both amazing & I'm so excited for your family! He will be great, I have no doubt!
I felt so good when I heard the news about Bishop Day. He will be a great bishop, and your family, I'm sure, will be such a great support to him. You guys are awesome!
Ditto what everyone else said! Bishop Day will be amazing and you gusy are up for the adventure! You are such a great family and Heavenly Father will bless you tenfold! I love the Europe pix too. Looks like a dream vacay!
We are so pleased (is that an ok way to say "proud" ?) at Jeff's call. He had asked us not to be seen before the sustaining because it would "give it away", so we snuck in the back after the amen on the closing prayer. I don't think it mattered because everyone seemed to have had that premonition. Folks came up to us after the mtg. and said : "Oh, we knew it would be him".
Jeff is such a "people person" that the interpersonal relationships will be his strength, I think.
We will be little help, but will try to be a support to both he and Amy. The "calling" to be the Bishop's wife is one that ought to be sustained. Amy will do well. When I held that responsibility we were at a different point in our child-rearing. It was an "into the frying pan" experience for me. Amy stands much better prepared.
They will both be terrific ! Are you kidding ? Of course they will !
I should have proof read ! We snuck in after the OPENING prayer !
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