Released??

We have some good news and some good news to report today. After five (sometimes long) years serving as a counselor in our ward bishopric, I was released today.

The other good news is that I've been called to serve as the new bishop in our ward. It's been an interesting, sometimes difficult and sometimes wonderful week. I can't honestly say this wasn't expected; we've been thinking it was a possibility for quite a long time. We've known for several weeks that we would be released today and as the time drew nearer, we were beginning to feel more and more relieved thinking it wouldn't be us. A week ago last Thursday evening Tammy and I were talking before bed. Tammy said, "Well, at this point I'm pretty sure you won't be called as bishop."

Friday I arrived home from work at the normal time. As I was walking up to the door a thought entered my mind, "Tammy is going to say we need to meet with the stake president." I opened the door and she looked at me somewhat pale and said, "Let me know when you're ready to talk." She didn't have to tell me what it was about. I can honestly say that I was not a happy camper that night. Angry and depressed would more accurately describe how I felt. Tammy was good and encouraging and all, but I was lost. I couldn't believe "they" would do that to me.

So Saturday came and we went to our scheduled appointment with the stake president. I think I may have scared him - I was still pretty concerned. Toward the end of the time with him, I asked him to give me a blessing which he did. From that point on, something inside me changed - I no longer felt the bitter and angry feelings. The next morning I woke up and went to church. I stood in the foyer greeting members of the ward as they arrived and as I did that I was filled with a feeling unlike any I have ever experienced. I felt so much peace and so much reassurance and so much love toward these people. I knew then that this calling isn't something "they" were doing to me; that truly I was called to this service by the Lord. The rest of the week was wonderful - I felt completely at peace and completely sure that this was the right thing.

Today the ward showed so much support and sustaining and love that I was reminded that I'm not in this alone. There are a whole lot of people ready and willing and able to help. I know that there will be many very difficult and very trying times ahead, but I know that the blessings associated with the sacrifice we are making will be well worth the challenges. I'm very grateful for the experiences of this week.

Through it all Tammy has been wonderful. Especially during those first couple of days when I was not feeling good, she was so supportive and encouraging. I know I wouldn't be able to do it without her by my side. Last night, we sat down with the kids to let them know what was happening. Immediately, Adam burst out in sobs saying, "Papa, I don't want you to be in the bishopric anymore." Adam's crying triggered Ben and Lizzy to start bawling (I'm not sure they really understood why). Anna sat quietly off to the side with a peaceful look on her face. I asked her what she was thinking and she simply said, "I think this is a good thing." I do too (and I think Adam will as well).