5 years and 1 month later . . .

Ben was released as bishop of the Black Canyon ward on December 3rd, 2017.  Almost exactly 5 years and 1 month after he was called.

We've known about the specific date for a few weeks.  I was definitely the more excited of the two of us.  Ben had a lot of thoughts like, "I should have done this . . . ,"  I could have done this better. . . ,"  I wish I would have done this . . . ," etc.  Which I think many of us feel when we are done with a specific job or assignment. 

But Ben did a great job as bishop! 

As I got to church on Sunday, I became a lot more emotional than I thought I was going to be.  I could hardly hold in my tears on the pew; I really did not want to have to go up and talk because I knew I would lose it.  But I had to.  And I did lose it.  I am not one to usually get emotional, but boy was I.  I think because it was such a bitter-sweet thing - my emotions were full of relief and sadness.  It was weird and awkward having to express that in my thoughts to the ward.  But my emotions stabled out a bit as the day went on. . .

Ben's counselors were asked to speak, then myself, and then Ben.  After us went the new counselors, the new bishop's wife, and the new bishop - Bishop Crim.  The new bishopric will be great and we are excited to give them our love and support.  And the mantle.  :)  Not that I ever had it, but I felt it on Ben.  And I felt it NOT on Ben on our Sunday afternoon - it was sooooo nice.

While I'll miss so many of the neat experiences we were able to be a part of because of Ben's calling, I'm excited for this new part of our lives!