So, yesterday was a poignant and humbling day. Jeff has been the Bishop for over six years and was a counselor for about four years. When he was counselor, both Bishops he served under traveled a lot, so a lot of things fell to Jeff. So, when he was called as Bishop, he was a little more "seasoned" than maybe some other newly called Bishops. I know it's been challenging as well as rewarding for him. If you haven't guessed yet, he was released.
I never really felt like a "Bishop's Wife". I quickly found my niche and just stood back and let him "do his thing". I always understood how demanding this calling was - time, emotionally, and otherwise. Whenever I answered the phone and it was for him, or was "husband-less" for certain events, I understood that there were needs that only a Bishop could fulfill. I hope the members of our ward never felt like they were imposing or being too demanding. I'm pretty confident in saying that he loved every member of our ward and served them with everything that he had. One Bishop that I know said it well, "If you really love your ward members, it's easy to serve them". And so, with the Lord's help, a Bishop is truly a servant and can do much to enhance, encourage, teach, counsel, and influence people's lives. I helped with the things I could and hope to continue serving the wonderful people of the Eugene First Ward.
But for now, we are going to enjoy a four-day weekend in Boston and go to a Red Sox game!
How exciting to have more time together! I was pregnant with Alona when he first got called as Bishop! It doesn't seem that long ago!
ReplyDeleteI'll really miss working with him. He was a wonderful bishop, I think the best bishop I've ever had (and I'm not just saying that). When we moved here I had prayed so hard to be led to a ward where we would be accepted, needed and our challenges would be understood. As soon as I met your husband, I knew we were in the right place. He understood our challenges (not everyone does) and gave us callings that helped us feel needed. He was definitely the right bishop at the right time for us.
ReplyDeleteBesides being a great bishop, he's the best father-in-law I've ever had! I know he did an amazing job as bishop, but now he can spend more time with us when we're there! Yay!
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