Two Sundays ago on Sunday, November 23, 2015, a bishopric changed occurred in our North Lake 1st Ward. I got released from my bishopric calling as the Second Counselor. I was told by Matt the previous Sunday that there was going to be a bishopric change. My heart sank! A thousand emotions went through me all at once. I was sad to be giving up something I've loved and given my heart and devotion to. I was happy for the prospect of having a little more personal time. I was happy to think of possibly sitting with my family at Sacrament meeting. I was sad to think of not being deeply involved with my neighbor's lives and their families. I wondered if I might still remember everyone's names around the neighborhood and ward. I wondered if I might receive a new calling with the new bishopric. I felt at peace with the job I've done. I started to wonder if I have done everything I could have and if there is anything that I regret not doing, implementing or acting upon. I also felt, interestingly enough, a sigh of relief like I might be able to breathe again. I was excited for the new 3 men that would have a chance at doing something fun, exciting, and super meaningful. I wondered if I might be able to go to anymore campouts, youth conferences, girl's camps and scout camps. I felt a sigh that I wouldn't have to conduct and plan anymore Sacrament meetings, even though that was consistently one of the most tender, spiritual, yet difficult things to do on a consistent basis. I thought of all the great men in this neighborhood and our ward and thought of so many that could fulfill our roles and that somehow I'm replaceable, which is okay.
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I have grown to love, respect, admire and cherish these other two great men of whom I consider best friends! We have felt the spirit together, cried together, laughed together and served together to the best of our abilities the last 5 years and two months. Last night we went out to dinner together to The Olive Garden to just get together and to celebrate our time together. Matt mentioned that when he was first called as Bishop and had to contemplate on whom might be his counselors, he never really had a long list to choose from. The only 2 names that came to his mind and heart were those of Steve's and mine. He laughed and wondered at the same time if there should be a longer list. But, he went to the temple with our two names and it was confirmed to him. We worked hard together and got along. We became best friends! Our personalities never clashed. It was quite the opposite. We complemented each other greatly. Matt was the Comforter. Steve was the Minister. I was the Doer.
From the start, Matt always paid attention to the spirit. One of the things I was most impressed with Matt about was his ability and talent to love everyone, know the intricacies of most everyone's lives and the ability to know and remember everyone's names. Whenever Steve or I asked about a certain individual or family, Matt would just spout off all the info regarding that person. He loves the Lord. Matt knows how to have a good time while being spiritual at the same time. Let me give an example. When we were first called in as a bishopric, we set up a ward campout to go over to Willow Park. So, this was the spring of 2010. The ward was having a good time together. Someone had brought potato sacks to have a "friendly" competition. I don't remember much of other people having races, but the consensus from everyone in attendance was that there was to be a bishopric race and challenge. Initially, I thought to myself, "oh, I can easily get this." Tim Flinders, our ward clerk at the time, also joined in the challenge between Matt, Steve and myself. The horn sounded and off we went. Matt tackled Tim to the ground and got Tim out of the race, and then he just took off like a lightning bolt. While Steve and I were holding the potato sack with our hands, Matt had the whole system figured out. He spread his legs within the sack to hold the sack stiffly with just his legs which freed up his arms. With that ability, he was able to hop in a seemingly lightning bolt fashion. I was amazed at how fast and quick he was! He smoked Steve and I and just left us in the dust to leave Steve and I mopping up the mess. He always jokes about not having any athletic talent or ability, but I witnessed the exact opposite. I would have to say that he is the most athletic of the three. I told him that this was a talent he is hiding under a bushel and not letting the world see this light that they may glorify their Father in Heaven for blessing us all with different talents. I guess I kind of mixed a couple scriptures together to make my point. But, as D&C 60:2-3 says, if we hide our talent it shall be taken away.
Steve is always genuine and kind. He always asked every person he encountered how they were doing. Not to say that this is genuine or different because a lot of people non-chilantly ask how you're doing. But, it was the way he did it. He would hold your hand a smidge longer, look you in the eye with that all-piercing look and sincerely ask if everything was okay, if anything was needed or how he might sincerely help. He is a student of the gospel. He took to heart the words from scriptures and the prophets. He knows the handbooks and how to administer the affairs of the church. His counsel was priceless. For example, one evening when Steve and I were doing some bishopric visits we visited Kay Allen. She is a single sister and more advanced in years. We sat with her for nearly a half hour in which I witnessed a true sincere love from one person for another. He just cared about how she was doing. It was the same when we visited Brad Anderson when he fell off the ladder from putting up Christmas lights and broke his leg, when we visited Brenda Gentry when she was going through some hard personal time, when he would stand in front of the youth and ward and instruct and minister. I remember 1 Sunday School fifth Sunday lesson in which he taught the ward about Family History and the new.familysearch.org web site. He truly knows the gospel and you can tell he lives it.
I came to respect Steve more as a "friend" when we attended a youth conference together. While there, we went on a morning run together. It wasn't a long one, maybe just 3 miles. But, we talked about life and our families. This was a 3-day conference. Steve and I had to leave before the last day after spending a couple days with the youth. We drove the multi-hour trek home together in my little black car. The whole drive home, we just talked about what my future plans are, my family and his family. A funny thing that I remember is the music we listened to. I had a few cd's which were like Josh Groban and The Candian Tenors. After listening to some cd's, he asked kindly, "can we just listen to the news or something normal?" I laughed and said sure.
I will miss serving with Steve and Matt but am excited for the new chapter. My hope is that I served well and that I will continue serving in the Lord's kingdom. No matter the call, it is all the same work in bringing about the salvation of Heavenly Father's family. I do love the gospel of Christ and just hope that I will always make Father and Brother proud of me!
