Conferring and Ordaining

Yesterday was a big day for our family. Especially for Ryker. Jesse conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon him and ordained him to the office of a Deacon. The new adjustments in the church now the young men and women who will be turning 12 in that year get to go into the program right in Jan. So that means Ryker is now in the YOUNG MEN program. What the what? I was just saying (what felt like a few months ago) that Ryker was halfway to a mission. He was 9! And here we are on the doorstep of 12 years old and he's only 6 years away from a mission. And yesterday was just so special. His first steps into the Priesthood! He is a Young Man! And it's hard to believe that I have a son old enough for this?

For the blessing and ordination we had several people there to support him. Our Bishop did say he thinks it's the biggest crowd he has had in his office for such an ordaining. Maybe it was overkill, but Ryker being the first grandson on both sides of the family, it's an exciting thing for everyone. Ryker sets a great example for his brothers and cousins following after him.

The blessing was so tender. I love Jesse's ability to tap into the spirit and speak with such heart felt words. He told Ryker that the Priesthood helps...

"feel the Savior's love...

"its given to men to serve...

"it provides a shield against the evil...

"it's the Power of God and it comes directly from the Savior....be confident in that."

Ryker was reminded...

"your desire to be righteous is a blessing...

"be confident knowing you are a Son of God...have a strong testimony about that."

When Jesse was all finished and Ryker stood up to shake hands with the men circled around him. I had a sense that he grew up in that moment. He felt older. More mature. Taller. He was now numbered among the Priesthood brethren. It's almost like I had a glimpse into the future. I saw him standing up as a missionary shaking hands with the brethren around him and embracing in that manly bond. It was neat!

Then I looked at Jesse and oh I wanted to burst into tears because his eyes were red and they were filled with tears. I can't imagine what it must have been like for him as a Father to confer the Priesthood upon his son.