The Bishop

I don’t write about my husband much these days. I guess I never really have but it seems even harder now since we lead pretty separate lives. I think (?) we used to spend more time discussing our days together but with him playing the role of bishop, many of our conversations are one-sided. This is not good for me…I’m a terrible talker, so bad that the other side usually has to fight to get a word in. When the other side has nothing to say, or nothing they can say, I tend to run amuck.

I miss talking to him. I miss hearing about his responsibilities, his problems, (well, maybe not those so much), his victories. Now, there is a lot of radio silence, and really, that’s good too. He never messes with the confidentiality of things and our lives are better for it.

But I don’t give the man enough credit. I don’t sing his praises like I should. I think, sometimes, I don’t even realize what a diamond I have been blessed with.

Here is a guy who at the age of 29 meets this strange girl, joins her strange church, and then marries, hitching his future to hers for all eternity. You could decide that he did it all for me, but it wouldn’t be the truth. The reality of his commitment to the gospel and to the Savior, Jesus Christ, is evident in all that he does. It is most strongly manifest in his willingness to accept the call of a bishop and the countless hours of dedicated service he performs.

I was raised in the church. I watched my parents and grandparents serve in different capacities all of their lives. I, more or less, understood the importance and the responsibility we all carry to further the work of the Lord. Then just ten short years after becoming a member, Todd was called to be a bishop. This was utterly shocking to me and I could hardly believe that the Lord would want such a fledgling to take on this kind of responsibility. I was sure the stake president had the wrong guy.

But in that same moment of confusion and disbelief, I had the distinct impression that this call was for him. He needed to serve in this capacity to learn and to grow. My muddled brain could understand that and I could see the benefit for us and our future.

Here sat a man who knew very little other than what he saw working as executive secretary to the now former bishop. He lacked sufficient life experience. He didn’t have a strong gospel background and education, but what he did have made up for everything else. He had faith.

Todd had, and still has, the faith to know that the Lord will tutor him. He will use him in whatever way is needed for the people of this ward. He will guide and direct him and He will be there because this is His church, and these are His people. Todd doesn’t have to know all the answers; he doesn’t have to have a lifetime of experience because he has faith. This is Todd’s ace in his pocket. It is the fuel which allows him to perform at maximum capacity each day. It is everything.

I tease Todd about his dog-like loyalty, but this really is his best feature. I am in awe and feel constant gratitude for the man who showed me that you really can leave it all and change your life; embrace something new, and make it yours. I am thankful to this man that is still teaching me through his example what faith is and what it means to be constant and stalwart and brave.