Three Presiding High Priests

My thoughts on Elder Walker’s talk “Three Presiding High Priests”

I didn’t highlight much of this talk, but it did make me think about how I run my life, my marriage and my family. Not long ago we had to institute a formal family council every afternoon after church to go over the week. Since we homeschool our children there wasn’t much that needed to be openly discussed. We communicated all day long and for the most part everyone knew what each other was doing. But then we had our oldest turn 16 and get a driver’s license and a job outside of the home. And then he decided to do something weird: have friends! Needless to say, I love the time where we get to go over the calendar and make sure everyone is taken care of with rides to and from, last minutes details taken care of (well most of the time) and a chance to catch up on what is happening in the life of our family, I also hate it! I’m no longer in control. I hate losing control—just hate it! I guess that is why I like being in charge. I guess that is why I like coaching—I’m in charge! No longer—I have others that have opinions, desires and wishes. Many times we butt heads. I need to remember Elder Walker’s council when he describes President Joseph F. Smith and his councilors working out a problem. “When a case came before [the President of the Church] to judge, he and his counselors would talk it over and give it their careful consideration until they came to the same conclusion.” Then Elder Walker adds “That should be our pattern in presidencies.” I will change the last word to say “families.”

When we as the head of the family and families get together we should pray and pray until we all come to the same conclusion. I think the best thing we can hear as partners is “Yes, I got that same answer.” And even more spectacular is when a child comes up to you after pondering on a big decision and says, “mom, you were right I think I better….”

There is much we can learn from the way the church is organized. There needs to be three: you, him and Him. And they need to be in every decision.