In the days after General Conference I've looked over and thought about the words of several of the inspired talks that were given. Many of these talks focused on women and the importance of women in the home and in the church. I know I am young in years and in time being married, but I can still say that now that I am married, I can see first hand how this is true.
My wife is an example to me continually of how dedicated one can be to the service others and to God. Her example is what allows me to do what I am asked to do in my own church calling. The story of how this calling was extended to us and how it has shaped our marriage is one that means a great deal to me.
A week before Kaitlin and I were to be married we were asked to visit with the stake president of my YSA stake at the time. I scheduled the appointment so I could get my temple recommend filled out but I was also told the stake president had something he needed to speak to Kaitlin and I about. Of course I was freaking out and didnt really know what to expect. Kaitlin was feeling the same. After signing my recommend and speaking to me for a few minutes about Kaitlin and married life, he asked if Kaitlin would join us. Now, I remember this part plain as day and I probably will for the rest of my life. The stake president looks at both of us and asks if I would serve in the bishopric of the ward I had previously been a member of. At that moment I said to myself in disbelief "what?" and looked to my right to look at Kaitlin's reaction. While I was expecting her reaction to be similar to mine, it turned out to be quite the opposite. While I turned to my right and looked at her in my state of shock she was looking straight back at the stake president and, smiling, she said "ok". Our contrast in reactions taught me something very important in that instant. I would never be able to do what I was asked to do without her. And as long as I have her on my side I will always be able to do what is asked to do. After we both agreed and accepted the call that was extended the stake president looked at me again and said, "Brother Lanham, your wife is what always will come first. No matter what you do, take care of her. If this calling strains your marriage in any way I want to know." He later proceeded to say something very profound I have heard other men in my life tell me. It goes along the lines of "for every good man there is an even better woman". I know that both of these statements are true.
So why am I saying this? In light of the talks given in Conference and how important Kaitlin is in my life I came across an LDS.org article titled, "Today's Family: Love Your Wife". This peeked my interest and so I decided to read further. At the time, I was reading the article in Portuguese but have since found it in English. There is one part that particularly stuck out to me and is the reason why I wanted to write this.
"Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explains the responsibility that husbands have to love their wives. He says that of all priesthood duties, a husband’s primary responsibility is to his wife.
“Priesthood offices, keys, callings, and quorums are meant to exalt families,” he says. “Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally. So brethren, your foremost priesthood duty is to nurture your marriage—to care for, respect, honor, and love your wife. Be a blessing to her...""
I try my very best to be this man for Kaitlin. And I try my very best to put our marriage in the forefront of everything I do.
I want to tell everyone how grateful from the bottom of my heart I am to have Kaitlin as a companion for eternity. I would not be who I am without her. She is my best friend, my confidant, my buddy, my counselor, and my wife. How truly blessed I am to have someone who is so willing to serve and support in any way possible. How truly blessed I am to have someone who loves me as much as I love her. And how truly blessed I am to be with her never to part. Love you, honey.
