A new chapter

Yesterday ended another chapter in our lives. Paul was released from his calling as the branch president of our congregation. When he was called to serve nearly seven years ago, I was three months pregnant with Leah and still sickly. Eliza was a three-year-old drama queen, and Sarah was a busy one year old. We knew his church service would require a lot of sacrifice, but we never imagined the blessings and the strength of the Spirit that would come to our family. I loved my husband before, but as I watched him serve others, my love for him has grown. I am so grateful that he was willing and able to serve the Lord in such a capacity.

With the responsibility of two counties worth of people lifted off his shoulders, he was a little giddy yesterday. Today he is in a daze as his brain tries to find its bearings. We are sure that a new call to serve will come soon. He has his eye set on teaching the 9-11 year olds' Sunday school class. What the Lord has in store is probably something entirely different. When Paul was released, our branch boundaries were changed as well, and we now have enough members in our congregation to form a ward. Our friend and Paul's former second counselor, Wayne, is serving as our Bishop. The Lord couldn't have chosen a better man. It is evident that he has been prepared for this call. I am also confident that he won't let Paul be a bench warmer for long.