Endure it well?

 I'm the first one to admit, these past almost 5 years, I haven't had the best attitude about being the "Bishop'sWife" whatever the heck "Bishop's Wife" means besides being married to the Bishop.  Geesh, it has been a struggle for me.  

When Mike got called as Bishop, my attitude was fine.  This is HIS calling...all I have to do is support.  Well, I guess for someone like me, that's not very easy.  Being the "woman BEHIND the man," isn't where I stand comfortably.  I have my own calling and my own life separate from my husband, yet somehow there are expectations for me?  There was no list of duties, no sustaining vote, no setting apart, no meetings, no check ins with the stake, no special exceptions or perks. It wasn't MY calling, yet somehow people treated me like it was...like I was supposed to be doing something...like I was supposed to be a certain way.  Nope, not for me.

So, when the release came that last week in January, I said "hallelujah!"  I was ready to be set free from this "gray" area I had been stuck in!  But Mike on the other hand, was not so overjoyed., because while being the Bishop is a lot of work, and stress, and sadness, he developed a love for the people and the work.  Mike was a wonderful example to our family of true dedication to your calling, to your faith, and to the Lord.

After Mike was released, the stake leaders asked me to say a few words in the sacrament meeting program.  I stewed over what to say all week.  I had to say something positive, but I felt so negative about my side of the experience.  I've heard people in the church talk about all the blessings that come to the family of those who serve, but all I could think about was how the last 4+ years of my life had been the hardest I've ever had (not because Mike was Bishop, but all the other stuff I had to go through...like losing my dad suddenly and unexpectedly).  The one thing that stood out to me was Mike's steadiness.  His steadfastness.  His complete unwavering devotion to the gospel.  This was enough to keep me from sinking.  This was enough to keep me from drifting away.  This!  This was the blessing.  This is what I am grateful for as we close the door on the "Bishop's Wife" chapter.  When I was weak, wavering, negative and in crisis,  he was a devoted servant of the Lord; and maybe that was exactly what I needed.

His first Bishopric 

(Both counselors have moved, one to Utah and one to Idaho!!  He's gone through SIX different counselors!!!)

This is what our family looked like when Mike was called to be Bishop.  

Jordan heading into her senior year, Kya 10th grade, Tyson 8th and Summer preschool!!

Here's what our family looks like now he's released!  

Both girls at college, Tyson graduating this June and Summer in 3rd grade. 

Crazy how time flies.