The Stake Presidency which presides over the stake I am in was released on Sunday. The departing Presidency served for 10 years (and like all responsibilities in the church they are not paid for this selfless service). The men relieved of their duties will be greatly missed. My mom, as Stake Relief Society President, had the wonderful opportunity to work so closely with these great men. The new men are equally as wonderful. President Hutchison, our new 1st Counselor in the Presidency, offered up the following quote 100% from heart/memory. It was very stirring:
"The Church is like a great caravan—organized, prepared, following an appointed course, with its captains of tens and captains of hundreds all in place. What does it matter if a few barking dogs snap at the heels of the weary travelers? Or that predators claim those few who fall by the way? The caravan moves on. Is there a ravine to cross, a miry mud hole to pull through, a steep grade to climb? So be it. The oxen are strong and the teamsters wise. The caravan moves on. Are there storms that rage along the way, floods that wash away the bridges, deserts to cross, and rivers to ford? Such is life in this fallen sphere. The caravan moves on. Ahead is the celestial city, the eternal Zion of our God, where all who maintain their position in the caravan shall find food and drink and rest. Thank God that the caravan moves on!"
There was a great spirit in this meeting as the "changing of guard" occurred. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for the memories I hold with the old Presidency and the times we were able to share at youth conference, the dance festival, girl's camp and in my singles ward. The day I was released as Relief Society President the whole Stake Presidency came "just because they loved me", which they told me on the stand right before my release. It meant so much to me as I know how full their schedules were and still lil' ole me mattered to them. I will always remember the way their thoughtfulness made me feel. I'm so happy to be a part of a church where we are asked to serve out of love for one another and for God. This service has brought many wonderful people and memories into my life for which I will forever be very grateful.
And so the caravan of our lives roll forward today. My mom and dad are rolling home for good to UT. Mom called me from Beaver crying. In my heart I know that when God closes a window He opens a door. I am putting all my faith in His promises because I know that what he promises, He fulfills... no matter how impossible the fulfilliment of the promises may seem at the time.
The above quote is from Elder McConkie. To access the entire talk (which is wonderful)
CLICK HERE.
