Thursday, September 01, 2011

New Meaning to the Phrase "Release Party!"

Four and a half years ago Jack was called to be the Bishop of our church. We believe in a living prophet who leads and guides the Lord's church through modern day revelation, including who should lead the church. The time has come for Jack to do something else and time for someone else to assume the responsibilities as Bishop of the Radford Ward as of Sept 4th.

One of the modern day 12 Apostles, Elder Hales, said, "My experience has given me an understanding that our personal relationship with our Bishop is often a good indication of our personal relationship with the Lord."

It has been an amazing 4 years. People keep asking me if I am thrilled. My response is, "It's like an equally weighted two sided coin." (Which is kind of a lame semi-old lady sort of response, I know)

While yes, it will be amazing to have more time with and a less burdened spouse (major over-simplification, but go with it), I have seen the blessings poured out to our family and feel so blessed our family was able to serve and sacrifice in this way. The things we lost, it turns out, were not things worth investing in anymore and the things we gained will yield eternal results. And to whomever follows Jack, I have a new respect and admiration for you. When Jack was first called, we said that when he got released, we would leave church directly for a vacation. Little did we know it would be the first couple weeks of school. We still don't know where yet, but for a day and a half, Jack and I are taking off. We will savor the amazing moments (many of which I will never know about) and cherish those who made this experience a blessing. We will leave behind the complainers, the naysayers, the gossips, the trails, the burdens, the criticizers, the questioners, the stress, the sadness, and the general weight of it all. Later, y'all!




This picture was taken the morning Jack was called to be Bishop. I wish I could say we don't look any worse for the wear, but then we know what happens to liars, right? :)

6 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I have been meaning to call Jack. We love you guys!

Lauren in GA said...

I loved your response of Jack's release being, "an equally weighted two sided coin". I think that is perfectly put...you don't sound like an old lady...just articulate.

I also love how you wrote about his service as Bishop. The way you said, "The things we lost, it turns out, were not things worth investing in anymore and the things we gained will yield eternal results." Oh, so good, Jaime. Thank you for writing this.

Sarah said...

You did it! I was a teenager when my Dad was the bishop. Trials and blessings all wrapped into one, but all worth it:) We're hoping to make a visit to the ward in Sept sometime to check out the new building and now new bishopric!

elaine said...

like that two sided coin I am happy and sad for you guys! I'm sure your whole family has memories of Jack's time as bishop.

Ann said...

wow-that wisteria really took off in 4 1/2 years! we're so happy for you all!

Brittany said...

Congrats and all that goes with it. I wanted to call this morning but knew it would be a busy morning and then leaving right after church. Just know we were thinking about you today! We love you!!!