day 297: thank you, bishop

 #1, Geo, #4 General Conference, SLC April 2010

Today, after 5 years and 3 months, my husband will be released as the bishop of our ward.  I am writing this post before the event, because I don't want it to be about the day itself, but about the experience up to this point. Over these years I have seen this good man become even better, as he has learned to love people through their problems and to practice patience.  He has always been an eloquent speaker, but during the past five years his eloquence has had a pleading quality which has been both encouraging and bonding for our congregation. 

There have been times when I have walked into our bedroom, unannounced, to find him kneeling, and sometimes crying a bit.  Because he is a tender-hearted guy.  Because he really has learned to love others.  Because he cares about the people that he will not be able to really follow through with.


I can only speak for myself when I say, Thank you, Bishop, for your service and your concern for all of us.  I am madly in love with you.

24 comments

Bossy Betty | June 13, 2010 at 8:55 AM

What a lovely post! Congrats to your husband.

He looks great in the ears, by the way.

AnneMarie | June 13, 2010 at 10:01 AM

Being the wife of a former bishop, I can totally relate to all you said. Thanks for expressing it so well (you have a far better way with words than I do!) and for sharing your thoughts so openly with your loyal readers.

Marianne | June 13, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Congratulations to you both on a job well done.

And who wouldn't be madly in love with a bishop who wears Micky Mouse ears with a suit??

Kristina P. | June 13, 2010 at 10:18 AM

I'm sure he was tremendous and a powerful influence to those in your ward.

Miss Tinselly | June 13, 2010 at 11:19 AM

Freedom!
Just kidding. I will always think of him as "our Bishop" and remember him for the love, compassion, and patience he showed our family. Thanks Burton family!
Who is replacing him?

Scott | June 13, 2010 at 1:50 PM

Gid's an amazing guy and was a wonderful bishop. I really look up to and admire him.

Jenny | June 13, 2010 at 2:06 PM

Enjoy sitting together for sacrament meetings once again.

Now you can hold hands!!!

Momza | June 13, 2010 at 2:38 PM

Awww...that's so sweet. Enjoy some down time!

Kazzy | June 13, 2010 at 3:42 PM

Thanks, everyone. It was a good day. and he/we feel good about his offering over these past 5 years.

Valerie | June 13, 2010 at 5:31 PM

Sweet post! Being released from a calling is sometimes bittersweet. I'm betting he was a fantastic Bishop! Love the mouse ears too! :)

amber_mtmc | June 13, 2010 at 8:33 PM

What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful husband and Bishop. The sacrifice that your whole family has made was surely answered in kind.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | June 13, 2010 at 9:00 PM

That was so sweet! It sounds like he was perfect. What a sweet sacrifice.

My hubs was released in Nov. of last year and it's pretty emotional.

I love the Mickey Bishop picture!

Kimberly Vanderhorst | June 13, 2010 at 9:04 PM

How many people are lucky enough to be madly in love with their bishop? I'm madly in love with my branch president and it's been such an amazing experience. The growth and the blessings really do compensate for the lonely evenings (and the phone sometimes ringing off the hook).

Your guy sounds amazing. I love that that's the kind of guy my guy is growing up to be. Thanks for the sneak preview. =)

Lisa | June 13, 2010 at 10:22 PM

I can say first hand that Bishop Burton was an amazing bishop, and you were quite an amazing bishop's wife. Of course it takes a special man to be the bishop of a ward, but I whole-heartedly believe it takes an equally special woman to be the wife of such a man. You both served so willingly and I will forever be grateful for the things we were taught throughout our years in the Hobblecreek 13th Ward. From my family to yours...WE LOVE YOU!

The Way I See It | June 13, 2010 at 11:01 PM

I agree with everything you said. I love the ears. I LOVE your love story. You are both amazing, inspiring people. Love to you both.

LisAway | June 14, 2010 at 12:29 AM

Having been a bishop's daughter I can understand what that all meant for your family in terms of sacrifice AND blessings. Watching my mom go it alone with her seven children every Sunday (at church and at home) was inspiring. My dad says that the number one thing that he learned was how much you could come to love people when you serve them. I think he was very surprised about that.

Enjoy being together as a family now! Quick, before he starts making his rounds as a High Councilor!

Luann | June 14, 2010 at 11:20 AM

It has meant so much to our family to have him serve as the bishop. He has been a great example of the true love of Christ.

Congratulations to both of you on a job well done. And I'm hoping you enjoy a much deserved rest as you settle into civilian life.

I love you both!

Unknown | June 14, 2010 at 11:22 AM

Great tribute. Isn't it wonderful to be 'equally yoked' with such faithful, dedicated men? My husband makes me a better person, just by being himself.

Keep your "husband formerly known as bishop" busy for the next few weeks. This is an odd transition time for them, and the time can weigh heavy on their hands in ways they hadn't expected.

Rebecca Blevins | June 14, 2010 at 3:24 PM

What a sweet post. I'm not at all surprised to learn you've been a bishop's wife. You have that supporting, loving presence!

wendy | June 14, 2010 at 8:39 PM

I can tell with that Mickey Mouse hat on that he was a FUN bishop.
My brother is a Bishop. It is a BIG responsibility and load to carry.
Now you get your husband back a little more eh. Enjoy.

Serene is my name, not my life! | June 15, 2010 at 1:07 PM

What a great post. I love that you wrote about it.

My dad was a Bishop when I was a kid. I can only imagine what it was like for my mom to sit on a bench by herself with 8 kids.

I'm sure you BOTH did a wonderful job!

Charlotte | June 15, 2010 at 5:13 PM

Thanks for the service and congrats on the release. Will he be sleeping all afternoon for the next three months of Sundays?

Kazzy | June 15, 2010 at 5:24 PM

He just might do that, Charlotte. :)

Lola Sharp | June 16, 2010 at 6:36 PM

Oh my goodness...I just teared up...all misty eyed.

A loving tribute/post.