Almost a year and a half ago, I was put into the Primary in our Wymount ward. I really enjoyed being in Primary--but, I was looking forward to being back in Relief Society after we moved last December. There's just something about the sociality of women that I enjoy being part of. I attended RS for about a month or so before I was called into Primary again. This time, I was asked to teach the 9-turning-10 year old class.
When I accepted the calling, I was early in my first trimester of pregnancy, didn't know anyone in the ward, and realized that since this isn't a student ward, my calling was probably going to last much longer than one year. I also had a hard time connecting with the kids in my class. Because of these factors, I really struggled to embrace my calling. After a couple of months, I was reassigned to teach the other 9-turning-10 year old class. This time, the kids were a MUCH better fit for me. Although I didn't dread Sunday anymore, I still didn't have the enthusiasm I wanted to have for Primary.
Then Clayton was born and I stayed home from church with him for about a month. The Sunday I went back, my co-teacher was supposed to teach, so I ended up going to Relief Society instead. As I sat through the lesson, I could hear the Primary children singing in the room next door. I looked around the room and realized that I really didn't know very many people in RS--while I knew almost everyone in Primary. Suddenly, my heart was turned because from that moment on, I wanted to be in Primary. I was ready for the long haul and looked forward to teaching my class the next Sunday.
In spite of my concerns about how everything would work with a newborn, the next Sunday was wonderful! I felt energized and it was great to be back with my class. Everything worked out great with Clayton and I felt like the kids were glad to see me again. Then the Saturday after General Conference, I got a phone call from the Bishop asking if I would meet with him the next morning. The winds of change started blowing in my mind. We were blessing Clayton that Sunday and everyone was coming over for dinner after church--so I had a lot to keep me busy. Unfortunately, that didn't silence the wonderings in my mind.
The next morning continued to be busy as I got ready for my interview. I arrived at the appointed time and the Bishop called me into his office. He released me from my Primary calling and then explained that they were reorganizing the Relief Society Presidency, and they would like to call me as the First Counselor, (Education & Music). Of course, I accepted. The change was made that day and we were set apart that afternoon. Tomorrow will be our first official Sunday as a Presidency.
Here are the things that stand out to me about this:
- In spite of my baby being 2 months old, I feel the best I've ever felt post-partum. I have the energy and the mental capacity to handle this calling at this time. What a blessing.
- The new RS President, who requested me as a counselor, didn't know anything about me when she requested me. She didn't even know my first name until things were official. This makes me feel like this really was inspired.
- Just when I learned to love being in Primary, I was released. Mission accomplished, I guess. :)
Overall, I'm really excited about this calling. I love gospel teaching! I know that Heavenly Father has provided experiences for me to prepare me for this and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the sisters in our ward.
