The Bishop's Wife

In January Thomas was called to serve as the bishop of our local congregation. He is a full time volunteer for the members of our local ward family. He will serve in this position for the next 5 to 7 years.

When he was asked to come in for a meeting with one of our local leaders, they made sure I was able to attend. We suspected he would be asked to be the bishop but it wasn't a sure thing. I kind of knew it was coming and Thomas was in slight denial. 😏

They pulled me in first and asked me a few questions about Thomas. I was sooooo tempted to tell them he was a very busy man and that I never ever saw him, but I held my tongue. (Being the bishop can require a lot of time). I know they knew he was an amazing man, but they definitely needed to hear it from me that he was as golden as he seemed. And he really is as golden as they get. 😏

They pulled Thomas in for a few minutes for a one on one. Then they called us both in. I was so anxious at this point because I still wasn't certain what all of this was about. It was a few more minutes of small talk until they finally came out to extend the calling. I gave a nervous laugh. There was a sigh of relief at first, but the reality of it immediately started to sink in. They made sure I was aware that they were calling us as the bishop and bishop's wife. I was there to be his biggest supporter. They explained there would be many dinners missed, many long meetings, and many hours of service. It was important that I understood that his time would be needed. A lot. Of course I agreed.

That was exactly what I needed to hear, though. Even though it has only been around 6 months, we've already had a few of those moments. He once had to help someone and was very late to our Sunday family dinner. But they warned me about it so I knew I couldn't be upset about it. 😉

The bishop is there to help, counsel,  and teach the ward family. His duty is to serve the people in every way. Spiritual growth, counseling, direction, assistance, and overall wellbeing of the congregation.

I have been asked on many occasions how life has been as the bishop's wife. At first I just kept it simple and said it was good and it was fine and kind of shrugged. I've had every range of comment afterwards, some very negative and some very positive . Lots of "Well, just wait. It's still new" comments are pretty common. But I've also had really positive responses. And I appreciate those the most. I've started to learn how to answer that question in an honest but positive way.

Being the bishop's wife makes people slightly more aware of who I am, which I love. I struggle to look up and out sometimes because I'm usually ducking out with a screaming child. I refuse to meet eyes with anyone because I'm embarrassed that my child is disrupting the meeting. But on occasion when I do meet eyes, it's always a sweet look of patience and understanding. They get it. They know I'm trying to do my best in such a tough chapter of my life. Nobody thinks my children are a nuisance. No one is mad that I've gotten up umpteen times just to drag out each of my children. They understand.

I love making friends and I love new friends. I have this new sense of friendship with the ward with my new calling. It's hard to explain, but I really love it. I have this new confidence that I didn't have before. My love for the people has grown so much in just a few months. It takes a village and I feel like my job is to help our village.

Some people are called into positions because the congregation needs their love, their talents, and their support. But some people are called because the person needs the congregation. I am most definitely the latter. I have felt more love and support from my ward family now more than ever. And I have no doubt they will be there to lift me up if and when things get harder. I have a entire group of people holding their arms wide open for me. I feel their love and support on a daily basis. I have met some of the most wholesome, stalwart, truly good, wonderful people in our community. And it is beautiful.

One of the questions I've been asked frequently about being the bishop's wife makes me chuckle. It usually comes in some form of "Is it hard having all eyes on you? Having to pretend to keep it together and act like everything is perfect?"

Oh, man. I'm actually surprised by this question because clearly they don't know me as well as I thought! Friends, I do not have the time or energy to pretend. What you see is what you get! I am a hot mess express just trying to survive most of the time. I have no desire to put on a façade or a front of any kind. I need all the help I can get!

I am so grateful for this new chapter of our lives, this new calling we've been given, and the blessings we will receive as we serve our ward family. I know there are tough days ahead. I may feel overwhelmed or exhausted or maxed out, but I know I have the people around me to lean on. I have the love and support of my community. I have the confidence and strength Heavenly Father has given me. I shall run, and not be weary; and I shall walk, and not faint.

I love this gospel, I love this church, and I love the people. I am so excited for our adventures that lie ahead of us. ❤️

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