Words of counsel just for me.

As I sit here tonight I read and ponder, seeking guidance and direction. I am now re reading Men of Influence by Robert L Millet. As I have just been released , I have been thinking about whats next, the not knowing is the hardest part. I felt so blessed to be called, I felt so loved by the ward, and the Lord, my confidence was never stronger as to where I stood with the Lord. Then came the release .. There was much sadness in my heart as I spoke with President Wilson ( he was asked to release me ). But I realized it was time, and the Lord had called others to lead the Ward. Now I understand my direction , thanks to this counsel that I was directed to tonight.

From Elder Boyd K Packer May 1987

"Several years ago I installed a stake president in England. In another calling, he is here in the audience today. He had an unusual sense of direction. He was like a mariner with a sextant who took his bearings from the stars. I met with him each time he came to conference and was impressed that he kept himself and his stake on course.
Fortunately for me, when it was time for his release, I was assigned to reorganize the stake. It was then that I discovered what that sextant was and how he adjusted it to check his position and get a bearing for himself and for his members.
He accepted his release, and said, “I was happy to accept the call to serve as stake president, and I am equally happy to accept my release. I did not serve just because I was under call. I served because I am under covenant. And I can keep my covenants quite as well as a home teacher as I can serving as stake president.”
This president understood the word covenant.
While he was neither a scriptorian nor a gospel scholar, he somehow had learned that exaltation is achieved by keeping covenants, not by holding high position."

Now I realize I was just a counselor in the bishopric but those words apply to me or any one who is a member of the church. I am grateful for these words, It's not the callings we have but how well we magnify them. I have done alot of searching and praying for understanding in my release. I still don't have a new calling but as I wait, I realize I must expand my view of what a Priesthood holder is. It does not matter position, calling or anything else. I can still obtain the blessings of the oath and covenant of the Priesthood as I strive to become better through service.