But this precedes the issuing of the call by about two weeks. We have known for a while that the Molgards are moving. We will miss them and they have been very good to us. With that knowledge we knew that we would get a new bishop. I began to conjecture who it could be and saw dozens of good men that would make wonderful bishops. I realized at that time I could be considered but quickly shrugged that off knowing how many good men there were to call. That was about two months ago.
Then about two weeks ago I made my trip to China. It was a long and exhausting trip and to top it off I had an experience that made it very difficult for work. While I was there I had my mind wander to the departing bishop and knowing a new one would be called. I had clear impressions that I was going to be called as the bishop. The best I can describe it is a feeling of utter despair. Not worldly despair, not even spiritual despair, but the despair of feeling completely incapable and overwhelmed. It is a trust I never imagined I would undertake from Him. This crushing weight pushed upon me for 2-3 days during this trip. I was really bothered by this and tried to explain in my mind that it couldn't be me and used every justification to rid it from my mind. But it kept coming back. This continued as I made my way to the Hong Kong temple. As I sat outside in the courtyard I pondered on this a great deal. I figured if it was to be, I might as well start working on my councilors. So I reviewed the ward list and began to scan for those to prayerfully consider. As I did so I had such a stupor of thought. I did not understand. So I began to justify again that since I could get no help, it must not be me after all. After some added time I began to lose that despair and the burden was lifted. By the time I left the session at the temple I felt great and was full of joy.
While I was in China I got a text also from Pres. Valencia asking if we were going to be around during conference weekend. This only served to fuel the fire I described earlier. Forward a few days and I had heard nothing, so I really felt I had just thought wrong and the strong impressions must have been my own doing.
But then Thursday near the end of my work day I get a text. "Are you and Val available this evening even though I cancelled PEC?" It was from Pres. Valencia. Not from the executive secretary but personally from him. Now I am not in despair, but all the feeling and knowledge returns and I know what is coming. Even though he was calling another counselor in the stake presidency I knew what it was. But because I have been wrong so many times in my life I was hesitant to acknowledge or say anything.
I should mention Pres. Valencia had called me a few weeks back, again personally and not through the executive secretary. He just wanted to meet. That was my first inclination what was happening, but I convinced myself it was just a PPI for my high council calling. We met during the Centerville third hour since that was the only time he had and I was willing to flex to his needs. It was a nice chat but I knew he was just working to get revelation to confirm a choice that he would recommend to the first presidency.
During the meeting with him (nearly two hours that went by soooo fast) he asked a few direct questions, then when affirmative he called in Val and asked if I had had any feeling as of late. I told him I had some strong impressions. He asked me what they were but I was hesitant to acknowledge what they were. So he went on, shared the letter of authorization from the first presidency he had received that day (hence the text to meet that night since he had to wait for the letter of authorization). After extending the calling, and our acceptance (which we will always do, we know the truth of this work and will never doubt it) he asked if that matched the feelings I had had. With tears forming all I could do was nod and let out a quiet "yes." A perfect match. I am overwhelmed at the way he prepared me and allowed me to work through the "despair" prior to the call so I would be more ready to move forward in faith. I have a very bright future because my faith is bright. I know it is His work, and with Him at the helm, I can do His work. I am still humbled but I know He is guiding it. Especially and again after the experience selecting counsellors to be requested.
I had a wonderful day and am pleased to be ordained a bishop. I hope I can do all He asks me to do.
LOVE you all so much. Please keep me in your prayers.
Dad
3 John 1:4
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