February 1st, the one with the release

Matt and I met with President Boyd in December for my formal release. We talked about my service and our family and our experiences and it was very special. It’s been a neat experience working so closely with stakeholders leadership. Monthly stewardship interviews with the stake president are just not something you are blessed with for much of life, and I didn’t take that for granted. 

We drove up to Bowie and we saw Brenda as we were leaving, so I was able to give her a big hug. Later I got to talk to her and share some ideas for people I wanted and she loved them and now has them as her counselors, so that always feels nice to feel like you gave good counsel.

Then the next morning Nicole Davis, the new stake young women’s president called me to get some ideas. Elizabeth was out of town so hadn’t been formally released and Nicole needed to talk things through, so that was also sweet to share some knowledge of the sisters in the stake with her and soothe her anxious heart a bit.

Stake conference was supposed to be January  24th and 25th, but we got a storm. It was really a bummer because after over a month of knowing i’d be released that day, I just felt really ready to rip the band aid. Postponing just felt like prolonging the limbo. And then President Boyd asked me to give one more talk as the stake relief society President on Saturday night, and then a short testimony on Sunday. I was ready for both, but then Saturday night got cancelled. So then my 15 minute talk had to be condensed to an 8 minute talk and no testimony. It ended up fine, obviously, just you know.

One nice thing is that Alexis and Henry got to come with us, and since I was ready the week before, I wasn’t stressing about my talk at all. I worked on consolidating every day that week and managed to get it down to the newly allotted time. I love giving a talk with the topic being just generally something about Jesus. He’s my favorite and I love the freedom of choosing. And really every time I’ve known exactly the direction Heavenly Father wanted me to go. It’s been very faith affirming. 

So we arrived at the stake center early and Elizabeth pulled Adi and Frankie to be greeters.

And just check out those cool greeter tags! Love them! 

I spoke first, then Elizabeth, and then President Darrow conducted the stake business. I am grateful for such a thoughtful stake presidency. It’s not that I love giving talks, but if they’d have been like, Saturdays cancelled, no need for your talk, that would have felt really unfinished. And I’m grateful President Boyd was even willing to move the meeting order around so Elizabeth and I could speak one more time in our official capacities. Little things that make a big difference. 

And then just like that it was done. 

Lily spoke and did a beautiful job and I really loved President Boyd’s message about the blessings of fasting and then it was a feelings fest with our wonderful stake. So many hugs and kind words and love. Several of my presidents were there and it was just tender and sweet. I really loved that calling, almost from the beginning. It was new and challenging and I felt the Lords guidance so strongly. And it was also among the most difficult years of my life. In my testimony that I shared in my ward the following Sunday I talked about the cute missionary we heard in Alabama talking about the difference between enjoying something and finding joy. I found a lot of joy through serving, and it was at a time that I wasn’t enjoying a lot of things in everyday life. 

Now with a month under my belt, I am so happy I had that opportunity and I’m also so happy to be done. It’s so sweet enjoying slow Sunday mornings and going to church with my crew and then enjoying slow Sunday evenings too. 🤣 I mean, someone’s often got a meeting or visit or something, but it’s good. 

For the months leading up to January my prayer has been just please help me be ready for whatever comes next. I knew it would be a huge adjustment because so much changed while I served in relief society. Just please help me to be humble and prepared and willing. Reshape my heart and help me to trust. I’m ready. ❤️