On Being Released as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric

First, being 2nd counselor is where it’s at. A lot has to go wrong for you actually to be in charge. No real responsibility but much of the upside. This is what I shared today on my release:

In 1675 when Isaac Newton was discovering calculus, physics and the fundamentals of modern science, he wrote to Robert Hooke and famously stated "if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." 

Serving in the McLean ward is an experience of not just standing on the shoulders of  giants that have come before, but walking shoulder to shoulder with contemporary giants seated in the congregation today. I will be forever grateful to have had this time with Mike and Jimmy, two giants in the gospel. I am also grateful for the giants that preceded them: Bishops Gene Goodsell, Charlie Cannon and Gerrit Gong. And when Josh, Zach and Asher Cramer are 47 years old thinking about what it means to serve their fellow travelers in the Church, they will stand on the shoulders of Mike Bell and Chris Hare. And, you know what, they are going to be okay.

For most of my life, I have read and reread that masterwork of the human condition, Calvin and Hobbes. However, as time has moved on I identify less with the spiky blonde haired kid in the classroom and wagon and more as the well meaning, bespectacled dad on a bicycle who is doing his best in the face of the many challenges that beset him. 

Likewise, my reading of the prodigal son has evolved. And although I identify with the younger son, I find myself learning now from the father. The prodigal father simply loves and accepts his children no matter what and gives them what they need where they are. This parable distills the essence of the gospel and the unconditional love of Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love, it is a given condition, a law of love for all his children. The love of God does not ask “who gets love,” but simply “how do we love everyone.” When Sister St Claire teaches the primary kids “Jesus says love everyone, treat them kindly too” this is not a simplification, but a distillation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

That is what Bishop Bell has modeled as bishop. No matter what or who, he has loved people where they are. I asked him last week how much time he spent on his calling over the last five years. He said he had no idea, but he can say that every single one of these 1800 days he has talked to someone, emailed, texted, visited or touched the life of a member of this ward. Serving in the bishopric, I became aware of how many saints there are who strive to do the same in their lives. My favorite word in the temple recommend questions is “strive.” I am impressed to be among so many who are striving. None of us have arrived, we are all travelers on the path striving our way along.

I am grateful for a worldview of heavenly parents who love us. For Christ who modeled love for others, taught us to repent, improve, and to be better than our natural man. I am grateful that the Lord works through imperfect people and for his and your collective patience. I know that there is a place for everyone in the love of Christ and in his church, and I am grateful for this congregatioin that gives us human connection, an opportunity to serve and be served and practice what we preach.