It Was About Time....Now Take It Back!

Well, I finally got a calling in our ward. During the month of October, I was the ward magazine representative - helping make sure everyone had the Church magazines who wanted them. The Bishopric ensured me that they would find me a ward calling as soon as that assignment was over. And they did. Only it wasn't what I was expecting...at all. You see, throughout my young adult life I have been called to various low-key/low-stress callings such as "Mission Prep Teacher" and "Visiting Teaching Supervisor" and "Gospel Doctrine Co-teacher (with The Chief)." As I entered the Bishop's office to receive my new calling a couple of weeks ago, I was hoping that I would again be dispensed a position that would allow a certain amount of anonymity. I like to stay "behind the scenes," so to speak. I don't usually get to know many people in the wards I am in. I mostly know the other women who attend Mom and Me activities. Bishop, however, saw fit to bring this particular socialite way beyond her comfort zone. In one brief interview and with one deft chop, he felled all my expectations of remaining anonymous. "There must be some mistake," I thought. "He must have meant to call someone else to this position," I reasoned. "Surely there is someone who is much better qualified to do this job," I pleaded in my head. No mistake. Yesterday I was sustained and set apart as the new 1st Ward Primary President. I had never felt more inadequate, incapable, young, and humbled as I did after talking with the Bishop two weeks ago. Frankly speaking, I was freaked out. No one knows who I am and vice versa. How was I to choose my counselors? How can I run an entire Primary when I can't even keep my own home running smoothly? I haven't been in Primary since I was in Primary as a little girl (and we all know how much good that does me with my incredible memory)! How could someone lead who had never been a leader before? "Bishop," I wanted to cry out, "I am no shepherd. I am a sheep!" Thankfully, the knowledge that the Bishop is guided by the Lord has been the greatest confidence booster of all. Through praying, fasting, studying the manual, and talking with my mother, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law (all of whom have been Primary President before), I have come to understand the basic goals and functions of the Primary. And, after attending Primary yesterday with my counselors, interacting with the kids, singing songs and participating in sharing time, I feel much more confident in my abilities to keep the Primary running smoothly - with a great deal of help from the other members of the presidency, of course. In fact, now I am even getting excited about being with the Primary and I already have lots of ideas for change and improvement. This new presidency is young and, though inexperienced, I now believe we are more than equal to the task. We will bring a freshness to the Primary, I think. At any rate, I have gone from terrified to thrilled and eager. The Lord has given me confidence, for which I am deeply grateful. And when I was set apart, Bishop blessed me that as I lead the Primary and learn to recognize my weaknesses, the Lord will then turn those weaknesses into strengths for me. I can't wait. It's going to be a fun ride. Wish me luck!