Tuesday, September 16, 2008

In Hindsight...

This should have been the third installment of the previous two posts. As I have reflected on the feelings that I've had over these past few weeks I've realized that they were gifts of preparation from my loving Heavenly Father for things to come. Eric was asked to serve as the 1st counselor in our ward's new bishopric. This change in responsibility took place on Sunday. He was asked to serve in this capacity a week ago Sunday so we had a week to ponder and worry and feel inadequate and humbled about it. Most people who are reading this blog know us, know me, know our religion, but in case you don't know as well, click on the links.

I know that Eric will serve well, that it will take a lot of extra time and that we'll be okay sitting in the pew on Sundays without him which is actually the thing that I've felt the most apprehensive about, silly, I know. But I'm aware that God is aware of me and everyone in our ward is aware that we have 4 children and I need help. Hopefully my children will let that help be given willingly, and I'll be humble enough to accept help without feeling offended. ;) We are really lucky to have Chad and Angie next door. Angie has become Laine's favorite coloring partner at church and I'm just going to have to assign Chad to Cannon detail to help keep us in our seats. Wish us luck -- and better yet, keep us in your prayers.

11 comments:

curly girl said...

Wooooah. That is a huge calling. I know that Eric will serve well, and I know that the ward will rally and help you through Sacrament Mtg, and since God is a God of Miracles, your kids will be so amazing that you won't even need any help! ;)

It's not just Sac Mtg, it's all those extra mtgs that he'll be at. I do hope you two can balance it all. Make sure you get a priesthood blessing, too, not just him when he's set apart!

Torrie said...

i was shocked!!!!
not because i didn't think eric would do well, just because it's always been 'older' people without young children whom they call to be in the bishopric. and i only speak from the knowledge of being in this ward off and on for 28 years.
he will do well.
you will do well.
and if you need someone to sit with you- jordan can keep any child busy:) or you can send laine back to sit with us.
and if you find that you want company when he's at those evening meetings- remember that i can walk right around the corner, and you and i can sit and eat cookies and have cocoa! now doesn't that make those meetings sound more fun!?

Tricia said...

I wish I could say that I know Eric, but I do know he has a great woman by his side. He'll be great.

(That Anthro skirt is adorable on you by the way.)

Unknown said...

The Lord will continue to bless you for this calling in other wonderful unexpected ways.

And if I'm near you on Sunday's in sacrament meeting I'd be glad to help with the kids if you want me to. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Lots of luck!!! You will always be in my prayers and especially now with such a big calling. Eric will do great....

Paige said...

Thank you everyone. Makes me teary.

And thanks for the skirt compliment Tricia -- I've loved wearing it. The sweater is from Anthro too -- it has the greatest buttons.

mindy said...

The bishopric huh, very exciting. Who is the new bishop and the other counselor?

Anonymous said...

wow..Eric must have wondered why they saw so much in him. Im hoping that doesn't sound awful, I don't mean it to. I just mean that everyone feels so normal and not important- and yes every calling is important..these ones always seem to mean that there are lots of people who saw that greatness in you too- whether you see it in yourself or not. Anyway, what Im trying to say is that Eric is wonderful and I couldn't think of a better guy to be caring for your ward family. But yes, who is the new bishop and 2nd counselor with him? I can't wait to hear what Shannon and Ryan thought of it!
My prayers are with you and the kids too- its going to be a challenge but I know the blessings that you'll start to see in your life will soon overshadow any mis-givings you might have had. we love you guys!

Lark said...

you guys are going to do great! What an exciting adventure for your family.

Paige said...

I know what you mean Rebecca, and he did feel like that. Especially when there are a lot of great men in our ward right now who could fill the calling.

The new bishop is Dan Wilcox. They are a family that moved into our ward last year. I think they have 4 children but it could be 5. Their youngest is a priest and one is about to leave on his mission then 2 girls that I know of.

The 2nd counselor is Rob Harrill. He announced to everyone that this was the first time he has shaved his face completely in 26 years! His children had never seen him without facial hair! Rachel screamed when she first saw him. Someone said to him, I see why you've kept the gotee, you have such a baby face. I couldn't tell if he took that as a compliment or not. He is a good man. They are a great family.

kelly said...

eric will be wonderful in his new calling. and rob is so sad to lose him!
isn't it the best feeling to know that your husband and father of your children has been seen worthy to serve in this capacity?
yes, it might be demanding and challenging, but SO worth it!