Brother Stephen

Steve received quite a surprise a few weeks ago when he was asked to be the second counselor in our bishopric. He was very flattered, but also feeling a bit overwhelmed and wondered if he would be able to do it. But, as we are often hear, the Lord qualifies those that He calls and so Steve constantly has to exercise faith that Heavenly Father knows what He is doing. So far, of course it has been very busy with various meetings, home visits, etc. but he is learning so much. It has been almost exactly 4 years since he was baptized. He has grown so much in the church, and I know that his growth will continue to multiply immensely as he serves in this calling. We have a wonderful, patient bishop who will be perfect in guiding and training Steve to do all he needs to know how to do. I have gained a new appreciation for how much time the bishopric puts in for their ward. Everyone always says that the blessings outweigh the sacrifices and I can already see that.

There are two things that I have been quite tickled  by as I reflect on these changes. First, my husband is a leisurely Southern bred man who takes his time getting ready to go places. Sunday mornings were often a source of irritation for me as he would wait until almost the last minute to get ready, often resulting in being late. The joy I feel now as I wake up Sunday morning knowing that Steve has already been at the church for a half hour for early meetings. It is sweet.

Secondly, as Steve was growing up he would spend HOURS at church each Sunday and at least a few evenings at church activities during the week. His dad is a Baptist preacher and it came with the territory of being a PK (preacher's kid). So, as a young adult Steve rationalized that he had "done his time" all those many hours spent at church growing up, so he didn't make it a priority to attend church each week. Without fail, every Sunday Steve's mother would beckon him to come to services. "Stevie, you comin' to church?" (Insert southern accent). Steve was quite an expert at dodging the bullet, and sometimes he would go, sometimes... not so much. That being said, I can't help but imagine that Steve's mom is looking down on him from heaven and just getting the biggest kick out of what has become of her little Stevie. Here he is.... every Sunday at church from sunup to sundown, and busy with various activities throughout the week.

I've been grateful for all the prayers and support of our family and friends, and also appreciate the well wishes and encouragement shown by ward members. I'm sure that their confidence in Steve does wonders for him.

Not even five years ago, I never could have fathomed that I would be sitting alone in church, not because I was truly alone as I did for so many years, but because my husband was sitting up on the stand as a member of the bishopric. It just goes to show that you never know what the future holds.