How Could This Be?

The Patriarch

A good friend told me the following, which I have paraphrased:

When I served as First Counselor in the stake presidency we were in need of a stake patriarch.  As often as we could, we would go to the temple fasting, so that we might be inspired as to whom in our stake the Lord had chosen.  This went on for about five months but we still only felt a ‘stupor of thought’ when names would arise in our minds. 

Finally, I received a revelation that I was the one the Lord had chosen.  I thought that this could not be.  I was sure there were others more worthy than me.  I attempted to share the news with my wife but before I could, she told me that I was the one.  Next I went to the stake president and he asked me, “Do you know who the Lord has chosen as the new patriarch?”  I answered that I did know but that I dare not answer.  The president replied, “It is you!”

The story of how my calling came about, still fills me with deep emotion.  I was released from my position and set apart as the patriarch of the stake where I have served for over eight years.  I have enjoyed this position very much and it has been a blessing to me and my family.