After I was sustained to serve as a counselor in the stake presidency in June 2004, I was invited to offer brief remarks. On that occasion I recalled the words of the 18th-century English scientist Isaac Newton, describing his discoveries and achievements, and paying tribute to his predecessors: "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." I paraphrased that thought to say in anticipation, "If we achieve anything our presidency it will be because we stand on the shoulders of giants." I was referring on that occasion to the wonderful brethren who had preceded us in the callings, whom I admired greatly – Dan Judd, David Glazier, and Ray Smith.
Over the course of the 9 1/2 years that followed, I realized there was quite a different, and perhaps more accurate, adaptation of Newton's thought. While I still have the greatest admiration for those who serve in callings of leadership, I now perceive that anyone who serves in a calling such as this in the Church really stands on the shoulders of the hundreds and hundreds of faithful, dedicated members in his stewardship. They are the real giants, the ones who courageously carry the Lord's work forward in wonderful ways. And this is particularly true of the stake I was privileged to serve in – Orem Utah Canyon View.
