As I mentioned, Geoff was called to be the leader of the young men, ages 12-18, in our congregation. This seems to be his niche because with every move we've ever made he is targeted for this volunteer position pretty quickly. About 5-6 weeks ago our bishop (who is very aware of Geoff's health) felt that Geoff could handle the responsibility and asked him if he would be willing to take charge of the youth group. Geoff, bless his good soul, is always willing. He wasn't being unwise. He is getting stronger. But more importantly he has learned that daily the Savior can take away his suffering and sustain him. And because of that he knew he could meet the demands that would be required. Because of his energy limitations he has approached this leadership position very differently than he normally would. Instead of starting programs and activities, he has focused more on ministering to the boys individually by visiting with them in their homes. He has relied heavily on promptings from the Holy Spirit and carefully only done things as prompted. He has already had some very remarkable experiences. It has been a great learning opportunity for him. And giving when he didn't feel he had much left to give has made him stronger both in character and physically.
This week our ward had a temple trip. Quarterly they rent a bus and spend 4-5 days at the temple in Switzerland. Geoff went with the youth and had an incredible week. He saw a change happen in the lives of these kids as they gained testimonies and a clearer focus of who they are. It was great.
The girls and I stayed home to crank on Z School. It was a good warm-up to the unfortunate reality that dad will eventually go back to work sometime in the coming months! We had a very simple week; a good week. We are together pretty much 24/7 here, so we felt Geoff's absence and missed him a lot. He got home late last night so this morning the girls paced the house waiting for him to wake up, sooo anxious to catch him up on all he missed at home. Our girls like to divvy up who gets to tell what ("I get to tell him we had pizza!" or "I get to tell him we caught a grasshopper!") and then they descend on him like ravenous wolves trying to get a piece of dad first. Poor Geoff, the homecomings have always been a bit overwhelming!
3 comments:
oh, the outpouring of love is so sweet! I just love you guys and cannot wait to see you (soon!)!
Love, ink
That's very interesting about relying on spiritual promptings a bit more because of his health limitations....definitely something to think about and what an important lesson, whether our health is perfect or otherwise.
The homecoming brought back lots of fun memories of the many afternoons I was at your house in Redmond Ridge and Geoff would drive up and be swarmed (we drove by your old house last night and you would laugh at the big striped tapestry hanging in the office window now!) My kids do the same thing to Zig and unforunately, because of their enthusiasm and desperate wishes to tell Zig certain details of the day FIRST, someone often ends up crying or sulking. The planning ahead of who would say what time was very cute!
you guys are meant to work with the youth! Geoff was an awesome ym president in Old town, and you were an amazing yw president....the things you taught me have been foundational to me...i still share stories about times in yw with you and sharisa....just two sundays ago, I taught a lesson, and couldn't help but share something I learned from you guys.
I love how Geoff is approaching his new calling...honestly its the best way to do it. I know the ym will love him so much.
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