Well, guess what? It has been over 5 years since I was called as Bishop of the Leeds Ward - since October 10, 2010. It has been long, but fast. It has been joyous but sad to let it go. I can say that I have grew tremendously from this calling. Before I was called as a bishop, I remember how I was and now that I have served a term as the bishop, I can see many things that I do differently. Of course, there have been many challenges that I have faced as the bishop, but I am glad that I have received those challenges because that have helped mold me into what the Lord needed me to be at that time. I will definitely miss all of the aspects of being a bishop but it is time to pass the torch to a new kid on the block.
Bishop Aaron May was called as the bishop of the Leeds Ward on November 8th, 2015. He selected great counselors in Matt Bennett (2nd) and John Blandamer (1st). My counselors were released also - Paul Smith and Steve Morrill. Brother Blandamer was released from the High Council and I was called in his place. I do not have a ward assignment but I am to assist the Stake President with missionary work in the stake. It is and was overwhelming to me at first, but I think with the Lord's help I can do anything that needs to be done. I am to attend wards and branches in the stake at least (2) times a month, but speaking to Leroy on Sunday, it seems like I need to be out and attending a ward or branch as much as I can except on Fast Sundays. This will be very interesting as I won't see my family very much on Sunday. At least as a bishop, I could see them from the pulpit, but now I won't be able to see them very much. This is what the Lord has called me to and where I need to be so that I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands.
Wendy was relieved when I was released but now it may be a little harder since I won't be there at all unless as I travel back, I get to the building before the time ends. I can't be selfish at this point because there are many more examples of individuals who have done what I am doing or served as stake presidents or counselors who have served and have given of their time, talents and work toward building up the kingdom of God. This is the least I could do and hopefully I can do it well.
