Sunday, January 23, 2011

Passing the Baton

One thing I always admired about Krista was that she was always engaged in a good cause. She had too many things to do to not be. Today in church she was released from her callings as the Ward Music Specialist, Ward Choir Director, Cub Scout Bear Den Leader and Relief Society Instructor. It’s hard to remember a time when she didn’t have multiple callings at church. She was always happy to serve wherever and whenever she was needed.

Since Krista’s passing I have felt the weight of her responsibilities fall upon my shoulders. No longer do I have her to share the workload of cooking, cleaning, laundry, homework, shopping, paying bill and raising Jacob and Emma. And the list seems to grow daily. There have been other needs that exist because her death was so sudden and unexpected like figuring out what to do with her consulting business, her support group and website, her children’s book that is close to being published, her blog and many other little details that I have discovered over the last few weeks. These are the many things that give me little time to sit and worry about how things are going to turn out because I’m too busy trying to get everything done.

Today I’ve gladly accepted one more of Krista’s old responsibilities. I have been called to be the Ward Music Director. I’m responsible for selecting and leading the congressional hymns and arranging the special musical numbers for our weekly sacrament meetings. Though it’s only a little of what Krista did I’m glad to do it. I have learned from her to serve wherever the Lord needs me. No calling is too small, nothing we do for others is insignificant in the sight of the lord. As it says in Matthew:
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - St Matthew 25:40
I hope to continue Krista's legacy and always be engaged in a good cause and serve the Lord wherever and whenever He needs me. To serve the Lord we must serve others and it is in serving others that we forget ourselves and find joy and peace.

6 comments:

Rebekah said...

Wow. That's very inspiring.

Sarah said...

Jared,

I just wanted to say THANK-YOU so much for sending a copy of Krista's book. I got it when we got home from a long Christmas vacation to Utah and was so thrilled to have a copy that she signed. I am especially grateful you sent the book with all you have had to deal with.

I found the group 2 of us 4 now a couple years ago when we were having secondary fertility issues. I found Krista's blog through that and have been following her blog for quite a while. I loved reading her posts and hoped she would recover. She had such a good attitude and was so faithful. It strengthened me to read about her life and experiences. I was shocked and cried when you told of her passing. I really can't thank you enough for sending that book. I love what Krista said about Elizabeth and the timing of the birth of John the Baptist. I know that the timing of when my son was finally born was the timing of the Lord and it helped so much when I read that to understand it better. We would like another child and I try to keep that in mind and remember the timing of the Lord.

Thank-you also for updating her blog. While I never had the opportunity of meeting Krista, I feel like I have been blessed with a glimpse into her life and she has been a great influence on me. I am thankful that you have kept the blog updated so those of us out there following know how your family is doing. Somehow I feel like I will have the chance to get to know Krista someday.

I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers!

Thanks again,
Sarah Nielson
slnielson@gmail.com

I am sad I didn't save your address from the package. I thought it would be easier to find your e-mail address. This isn't meant to be a comment on a blog post but I am glad I do have some way of contacting you!

LadyCarma said...

You are amazing! Thank you for adding to the blog as I want to know what I can pray for to support you, Jacob and Emma. Now I know after today's post. You inspire me.

Clyde said...

Your words and services are so inspiring. Krista's legacy will go on and your children are going to be as brilliant as you two were as a partners-parents. No doubt!

(I think you'll excel taking upon krista's housewife/church duties... Must likely, you'll rock the house, I bet :))

Josh and Kristen said...

You are doing awesome. The fact that you have kept up with the blog is astronomical. Seriously. It's just one more thing on the list. (one that I am glad you have chosen to do, but would understand if you didn't). You are a such an inspiration! Thank you!

Davis Valley Classic said...

I just found this blog. I read Krista's book a couple years ago as my husband and I were struggling with infertility. Her book helped me move pass infertility treatments and see the beauty of adoption. We now have adopted two beautiful children. My heart is broken, I will keep your family in my prayers. What a wonderfully inspired woman. She helped me through such a hard time with her book.
Thank you