Melinda mentioned the new events in our life, most recently the new calling and adventure.
I want to take this space to thank an amazing man for all that he has done for so many people, I am talking about Bishop Greg Ballard.
I met Bishop Ballard 3 years ago when we first moved into the area and into the Lee Ward. From the get go he welcomed our family with open arms. I was working at the Bees at the time and had to miss the first few Sundays because of work, I am sure he thought he had an inactive person on his hands. He remembered Melinda and Grace and always asked about me. He made sure to have Melinda tell me how much he was looking forward to meeting me.
As time went on and I got to know him better I realized just how good I felt every time I talked to him and how warm and welcoming his personality was. After we had only been in the ward for about 5 months I was asked to serve as his 2nd counselor and accepted. I remember calling him frantically and spewing questions and worries, etc. In his calm and mellow demeanor came the response "I am assuming you accepted the call?". It sounds small, but it was his way of putting things into perspective for me and reminding me who we are ultimately serving when we take on callings like this. As time went on I became his first counselor and then eventually got put on the High Council before accepting this new calling now.
We have met on a regular basis over these last 6 weeks to prepare for this calling and he has been so patient and understanding with my nervousness and with how overwhelmed I feel.
I feel so inadequate and worry about how I can do the job that Bishop Ballard has done for this ward. But in his calm and mellow demeanor he continues to assure me just as he did 2 and a half years ago. I appreciate all he has done for this ward and for the lessons I have learned from him.
I have learned from Bishop Ballard patience, hard work, and relying on the spirit of the Lord to manage my life. He always reminds me to hit my knees and pray when I feel overwhelmed or need that extra support that only He can provide. He has taught me that the Lord expects us to work things out in our mind first and to go to Him for confirmation. He has taught me the true meaning of ministering. I could go on and on...he has taught me so much.
(you can see the Lee Ward Primary children putting hearts all over Bishop Ballard's door)Now the chapter has turned and the Ballard's are leaving the ward to start their own new adventure and in many ways I feel a void. I feel a loss that this great man and this great family will no longer be around the corner. But I know that everything will be okay, Bishop Ballard has taught me that and it would be a shame if I didn't apply it in this very instance.
Very rarely in our lives do certain people get put in our path that impact us as strongly as Bishop Ballard has in my life. There is no appropriate way to honor him in words.I know that Bishop Ballard has lived his life in a way that will allow others to see the face of the Savior in his countenance and his example makes others want to draw nearer to the Savior.
Thank you so much, dear friend. You will be missed, you already are! --DC--
