This is #6 in a series of posts in which I share some of the things I have experienced because I am a Mormon. In each of these posts, I will give you a basic background and share a small experience. I hope that through the sharing of these small things you can have a glimpse into my experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will also try to explain principles and doctrines of my faith that bring me so much happiness.

Background: In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, local members serve as the leaders of our congregations. In fact, all positions in a congregation are filled by members. Bishops are somewhat like pastors in a congregation, and they usually serve for 5-7 years. If something goes wrong or something great happens, or anything in between among the members of his congregation, the bishop is there to help. Bishops serve with 2 counselors who assist them in their duties. They are called by inspiration and are ordained High Priests and set apart by the laying on of hands. During sacrament meeting each Sunday, the bishop presides and he and and his two counselors sit on the stand.

Choosing Happiness

Richard had just been called to serve as the first counselor to our bishop in Arizona. I was expecting our fourth baby, we were 2 1/2 weeks away from moving to our new house. I felt overwhelmed. How was I going to take care of four children during church without his help?

It didn’t help when someone shared her negative attitude about my situation that first day that Richard didn’t sit with us. I came home angry because she said that my life was going to be terrible for the next several years.

That week, I remembered what my mom had told me years ago when asked how she managed to take care of her children when my dad was a bishop’s counselor. She said, “The Lord trusts women to do difficult things.” I also never heard her complain.

In rebellion against negativity, I decided that I would never complain about sitting alone with the children. I decided that I would not only endure, but I would blossom during these years that Richard would serve.

I was busy with the children while he had meetings and visits with the bishop, but I made sure that he always had a white shirt clean and pressed in the closet. It was small, but choosing a good attitude and performing this small service made a huge difference at church, at home, and in our marriage.

Choosing to see the good allowed me to appreciate the women who offered to help when I had to take our baby out for a change. It allowed me to enjoy seeing Richard be outgoing and respected. I grew in my confidence because I learned that with the Lord’s help, I COULD take care of 4 small children during sacrament meeting. They learned to be reverent. They were good kids. I made an effort to have a church-like experience in my home when I was alone with a sick child on Sundays, watching DVDs of conference talks and listening to my Mormon Tabernacle Choir CDs. I learned that my cup could still be filled, even if I wasn’t able to attend church.

I look back at that time of stretching and I honestly don’t remember the difficulties as much as I remember being happy to spend time with our children and seeing my husband grow. It was a good time in our lives.