Filed under: all that jazz by Téa
The phone call from the Bishop’s second counselor surprised us during Duncan’s birthday celebration. Could he come over to talk with us tonight? No, but the day after would be fine. Wild speculations flew around the rest of the night as we wondered what would come of his visit.
The next night, shortly after 7pm and some brief small talk, we found out why he was there.
“We’re going to release you as a Relief Society teacher this Sunday,” he said.
“Any opposed?” I raised my hand and chuckled nervously. “Any opposed?”
“We appreciate your service,” he continued. “My wife told me on Sunday how much she enjoys your lessons, and I just kind of went uh-huh because I knew this was coming.”
Still stunned, I asked “So this was planned before I taught this past Sunday? The release has nothing to do with my lesson?”
“No, you know the Bishop, just wanted to shake things up a little.”
“Okay, well, thanks for coming by,” my husband said.
“What’s my next assignment?” I asked.
“There’s no new calling,” he said, standing up.
“Something in works, right? Just not official yet?” Richard pressed.
“No, not at this time.” he said as they walked to the door.
More small talk and the door shut behind him.
I was in shock. I cried and tried to comprehend what had just happened. I couldn’t–it didn’t make any sense. So many sisters told me they loved being in class when I was teaching, and this past Sunday some sisters even proclaimed it loudly to my husband as we headed to the van. “Your wife gives the best lessons!” The Relief Society President and her first counselor praised me each time. I’d only taught 6 lessons, it was’t as if I’d been serving for a long time. I wasn’t being released to something new, I was just being released.
Richard said he was as stunned as I was. “I didn’t see that coming”.
(to be continued)