We recently had quite a shakeup in our ward.
(For non-LDS readers: Our local congregations are called "wards," which are assigned geographically. Wards are grouped into stakes, which are grouped into areas or something, and then it gets fuzzy to me. Each stake is led by a Stake Presidency (president + 2 counselors); each ward has a Bishopric (Bishop + 2 counselors).)
Our ward has had a wonderful Bishop for the past 6-7 years: Bishop Likemydad. I've known Bishop Likemydad since I was a baby. One of his daughters and I were the same age, so we were in Primary and Young Women's together. Bishop Likemydad's wife, Sister Likemymom, knows how to do really cool things like quilting and making her own soap. Bishop Likemydad had something in common with all of the Bishops I've had throughout my life:
- He is very comforting and calm
- He is caring and someone I could always trust
- He is old enough to be my father
Bishop Likemydad was released from his position with a sincere vote of thanks, and we got a new one.
Remember Brother Coolguy? Yep. Enter Bishop Coolguy.
Who is seriously lacking in one particular quality I have always associated with Bishops: age. He is my age. To be precise, he is a mere 3 months (to the day!) older than me.
What does this mean?
It means that, at 34, I am now old enough to have a Bishop my own age. I shall soon be knitting shawls and grousing about the incomprehensibility of popular music.
Ah the days of my youth. I'll miss them.
I'm toying with the notion of assigning him a cute derivative, like "Bish" or "Shoppie." As in, "Yo, Shoppie, whaddup with dat tithing settlement, yo?" Lest my mother hyperventilate herself into unconsciousness, I have abandoned that idea. I look forward to working with our new Bishop and will support him with a straight face and enthusiastic heart.
Congratulations, Bishop Coolguy. I mean it.
8 comments:
I have made another transition. Instead of a Bishop who is my contemporary, I now have a Bishop young enough to be my son. (Gasp, gasp, gasp, gasp...)
My friend's husband has been the bishop in their ward for about the past 4 years. He's 33. He was called at 29.
It's so funny, because he has never been Peter Priesthood. We were at dinner at their place, and they told me when they have a YW babysit, they have to hide their R rated movies.
Wow. Getting old. I'm right their with you, sistuh. Seriously. Be strong. :)
I was in a ward in AZ and one of the membership of the Bishopric was just a guy in the singles' ward...it was so weird!
I just came over from Kristina's blog (even before I went to her comments, but then who can read 108 comments and stay sane?
Times are changing! Bishops Likemydad are now becoming Mission Presidents while their sons are the new bishops.
I bet your new bishop would like his cute derivative. I think you should try it on him, just don't tell your mom!
Thanks for the kind words, my friend. I totally agree and I will do my best, even if I'm not like your dad (more like your brother). I wouldn't be offended to hear Bish or Shoppie, but save it for private conversations, if you don't mind. I have a reputation to uphold... :-)
It's kind of like getting a doctor that's younger than you are --- eek!
May I suggest "The Bish-Man". It has a little more respect inferred... kinda... maybe... nope, better stick with "Yo, Shoppie".
Post a Comment