Released

As I noted a few days ago, I was released from the Elders Quorum Presidency today.  President Fawson was released thus the presidency was dissolved.  It has been a good experience over the last two years serving there.  I am happy to be released and for others to have the opportunity to serve.  Jake Whetman was called as the president, not a surprise for me as that was my guess.  He called Carl Johnson as his first counselor and Ben Jackson as his second.  I admire and respect each of these men and am confident that they will serve faithfully and diligently.  Good men for sure. 

Fortunately I continue to serve as the home teacher to the Fawson family.  I hope I continue to serve there.  I stopped by there to drop off a little Christmas gift - a custom soda sampler.  They are big fans so I took our specialty sodas and put them together for them.  They were excited, Sierra saw them and had a big grin on her face.  They are a wonderful family, wonderful friends.

I stopped by to see Ken and Georgia Bettridge tonight.  I love them.  We visited for a while and I enjoyed that.  They have been so kind to our family since we moved in next door 2 and half years ago.  That is what I miss most about moving from 450 West.  The kids would go over and share a soda, talk and enjoy little visits.  Anyhow, our visit got a little emotional as we discussed the fam and how things were.  Ken told me how much he admires me for the job I am doing with the kids.  I thanked him and said I am trying.  He quickly and lovingly corrected me and said "You are not trying John, you are doing and you are doing a great job". 

True to form I am my toughest critic and I know my weaknesses, my short comings.  While I focus on my failings I don't always see the good.  I appreciate that Ken and Georgia were kind enough to correct me and to help me see the good.  I think instead of saying I am trying I will try to recognize that I am doing the best that I can do.  I can certainly improve and as I learn and grow from experience I will do better.  I will continue to seek the help of the Lord as I go forth in my responsibilities as a father and patriarch of the home.  That is one calling, one responsibility that I will never be released from.