As I was sitting at Justine's house, Jeff called and said we had an meeting with President Porter - Stake President.....'I think I'm done' Jeff told me. He had the same thoughts I did about my own calling. 'Now what I am going to do?' 6 1/2 years he's had this same calling - I planned on him being there a very long time and so did President Porter.
Sunday morning he went to meetings at 7 am, came home at 9 and I was surprised to see him. He was asked to give his testimony and knew then he was being released. I don't normally see him until he shows up somewhere around 2 or 3 pm at the Church. I get asked all the time where he is - no idea is the answer I give. He's busy running from one building to the next, helping the clerks, talking with everyone he sees, and trying to keep up with the demands he places on himself and the things he's been asked to get done. All the while stressing about his actual job that he's behind on work with and trying to stay organized and have a 'normal' family life. Which for us means he sees the kids before they are in bed and maybe a few minutes in the morning when they first wake-up.
I know you can't see me, but it gets me a little teary knowing he's done with that calling. Well not until January 1st so he can train the clerk, but it's been such a huge blessing for our family. I can't give you details and specifics because they're aren't really any physical blessings to show you. I have been blessed to manage our home and every Sunday for the past 6 1/2 years except for Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's day when they don't have meetings. We've had 3 kids join our family, been through 3 jobs, 4 wards, 1 Stake re-alignment, 3 different church buildings, 2 Bishops, 2 Stake Presidencies, 1 calling for Jeff and a cycle of the same callings for me: Enrichment, Activity Days, Enrichment, Primary teacher, and this last year it was 1st counselor in the Primary. We've learned to make-do with the little time we spend together and make the most of it. We've learned to 'come what may and love it!'. Jeff has said many times - 'I wish they'd release me - I just can't do everything' Work consumes his life, but I've seen him make changes to his priorities over the years, feel 'okay' with the things he can do and then ask for help where he feels he's failing. He's been blessed with amazing assistants who pick up the slack for him when he can't be at meetings, do paper work, etc. He's served with men who inspire him, help him to be a better husband and father, and still let him be him - sarcastic and a little goofy. :) He now says he'd take all those comments back if he could just stay in the calling. He was able to be apart of the administrative portion of the Church, but still be able to see the Gospel part of the church in action as he sat in on many a high-council meeting, trained Bishops, clerks and saw the blessings of Disciplinary Councils for those members either leaving the church or coming back to the Gospel. I never asked who they were or what happened, but we did talk about the joy that comes from living the Gospel, it's the little things that matter and make all the difference in the big things of life.
Our kids were able to help clean up as we waited for Jeff to finish after Stake meetings, they got to see their dad and their friends' dads on the stand and know they were part of something pretty great. We got to meet Elder Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and Elder Pickard of the 70 and chat with him for a minute.
So now that Jeff had been released and accepted a call to be on the Stake Audit committee, it was my turn. I met with Brother Durda and thought I'd be fine until he told me I was being released - I got a little emotional and more teary. I had never been a part of a Presidency before and had only been a part of this one for 11 months. I love these sisters, we had fun Presidency meetings, but accomplished a lot of things. I was worried that Jeff's busy schedule would keep me from magnifying my calling - it didn't. They were so understanding and willing to accommodate my schedule and I am truly grateful for that feeling of acceptance of my chaotic, unscheduled life. Saturday night we went to Jennie's and then scooptacular - it was the highlight of my night even if was only about 30 minutes. :) We were a great team - along with the pianist and chorister - we worked well together and even Brother Durda was sad to let us go. My testimony of the Gospel has grown tremendously. I still struggle to read my scriptures consistently, but I know they are true. I know they are a life-line to our Heavenly Father. I have become better (not great by any means) but better, at public speaking. Instead of being sick for an entire week before and after speaking it only lasts a few minutes before. :) I managed with the help and guidance of the Holy Ghost to put together a beautiful program for the children - the beautiful part came during the actual program - it's my favorite Sunday of the year.
Sunday felt every strange - that 'burden', okay not burden - responsibility was no longer on my shoulders. I stood a little taller, felt a little lighter and easy going. I still had mixed emotions at being let go, but I did volunteer for Nursery. :) I love the children and have learned so much from them. They want the same things we want as grown-ups: respect, love, guidance, joy, peace and to know they have a place they belong. I hope I was able to share that with them because Primary should be a place where they belong and feel loved. I love the teachers - so many them I've known for several years and they've served in RS Presidencies, Bishoprics and other leadership positions. I was nervous to be in front of them thinking to myself they had more gospel knowledge than I did - how could I teach them too? I'm grateful for my children's primary teachers - Bakers, Foulks, Christiansen/Clark/Boblett - my children know they are loved and missed when are gone from church. They feel special and respected - I couldn't have asked for better teachers for my kids this year.
If you've made this far in the reading, know I'm still crying. :) I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I belong to His Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know President Monson is our prophet today and leads us as a spokesman for the Lord. I know that by Choosing the Right and following the promptings of the Spirit we can, not only, receive answers to our own prayers, but be the answer to someone else's prayer. I love my family and the joy we find being together - grandparents, uncles, aunts, everyone together.
We're looking forward to the callings the Lord has in store for us and the blessings that come from faithfully serving the Lord.
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