So much is on my heart this early Saturday morning. Last Sunday, after more than five years of beautiful service, Jason was released as the bishop of our local congregation.
Being a bishop is a lot. It is not a calling that our family sought after or wanted. It consumes a considerable amount of time. It's like a part-time job, but unpaid. It requires even more mentally and emotionally as you counsel many who are going through enormous struggles. From time to time, it means dropping everything to help with a crisis, conduct a funeral, or assist with a difficult move. It means less flexibility traveling over the weekends. Sundays are long and filled with meetings.
Yet despite the challenges, Jason LOVED being a bishop. The opportunity to work with our ward members, particularly the youth and youth leaders, filled him with real joy. He always looked forward to being with the youth on Wednesday nights. No matter how tired and overwhelmed he was because of other obligations, he would come home on Wednesdays rejuvenated and hopeful. Wednesdays gave him the chance to connect with his children, spending quality time with them in a different capacity. With his calling, Jason brought home a rich mantle of love for our neighbors that helped us all feel the blessings of service. Far more than a burden, his calling as bishop was a blessing.
To honor Jason's service, here is a collection of photos from youth activities that I've collected over the past 18 months. Since I wasn't there, I won't write a lot about them. Still, I hope they'll give a feel for the incredible experiences and connections Jason has helped facilitate over the years. Despite how turbulent the waters of our world, our youth are doing remarkably well. While not perfect, they are kind and supportive of one another, lifting each other up as they strive to draw closer to God.
You won't see Jason in many of these pictures. He's the photographer behind the scenes, happily witnessing these special moments. Yet while not front and center, Jason is a key part of these stories of success and faith. Well-done, amor. You don't have to have served perfectly for these youth to feel that they are wholly loved.
Gathering at the Breinholts.
Bear Lake with the Young Men, 2023
The Speaker of the House.
Minnetonka Cave, followed by the Paris Tabernacle.
Waterfront time and huckleberry shakes.
Good thing a firefighter was there to hose her off.
Trek August 2023. Our Stake Trek happened while our family was out east playing at Lake George. Our kids decided they'd rather be in New York, but Jason flew back to offer support. When he arrived, the youth were in good spirits but positively DRENCHED, having been caught in an enormous squall the night before.
Engineering principles, mini-mallow style.
Gathering generations--a super cool activity where the youth and older members of our congregation got to know each other better.
Dia de los Muertos Temple Trip
January Temple Trip followed by ice cream. Brrr!
Stake Winter camping up at Heber with the Young Men. (The Stake Young Women do cool things too--Jason just wasn't invited.)
Mourning the passage of Jeremy. (Jeremy was a beloved stick that they carried all the way along a prior adventure on the West Rim Trail.)
Hiking the U and the Lime Kiln.
Foraging for fossils.
Road trip! Torrey 2024. This adventure was so epic that it really deserves its own post. 24 youth and adults, a sprinter van, waterfalls, slot canyons, stargazing--the trip had it all!
A service project cleaning up trash in Torrey.
Wouldn't want anything to spoil this gorgeous landscape.
Next up, the Petrified Forest.
The youth liked the petrified wood, but I think they liked the lake even more. Right, Eli?
So much fun!
Hiking out of Lower Calf Creek Falls.
That night, Jason got even better photos of our galaxy.
The next day, most of the group hiked Spooky and Peekaboo slot canyons despite it being one of the hottest days of the year. When some of the youth ran out of water, Jason, Talia, and Eli all ran back to the cars to get more. Brooklyn kept everyone from going crazy in the meantime. Our family is amazing! (As is Ben Keddington. He took one for the team and played a six-hour game of Monopoly with the youth who wished to stay behind.)
Savoring a moment of shade.
Last but not least, Thai pizza on the way home. What a trip to remember!
It's hard to imagine squeezing in even more summer fun, but the youth went boating in August as well. Here they are at Jordanelle Reservoir.
The good news for the youth is that he just got called into the Bishopric, so hopefully they will have more fun adventures together in the years to come.
Who catches better waves? Boys versus girls.
This amazing woman Megan now gets the curious role of Bishop's wife.
Jimmy John's all around, just in time for an incredible sunset.
Since these guys are adults, I feel like I can list names more freely. Here's our favorite Chuck Clark, followed by Whitney Banz.
Here I am with my amazing neighbor Robin. Thanks to our other neighbor, Hannah Galliosborn, for the beautiful photos!
Jason and Hannah's husband Kit.
Our new Relief Society president Kalleen.
Janet Sirstins, nurse and neighbor extraordinaire.
Wrapping up with a few more photos of a party with the youth at the Blackhams.
While Jason enjoyed working with the youth most, he also enjoyed partying with our entire ward/neighborhood congregation. Here we are at our annual fall picnic. I love that our Chinese friend Zizheng is manning the chicken fajita grill. Hey, Zizheng knows his meat!
And there it is! An abundance of joyful photos to celebrate an abundantly joyful five years of service. Bishop Wheeler, we love you! Now we hope you enjoy a bit of well-earned rest.
1 comment:
Fabulous! Selfless service results in a sweet satisfaction that is genuinely fulfilling! Your family was blessed many times over by Jason's service as bishop. In a real sense, your whole family served in an essential supporting role. Keep Smiling!
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