So, I got a new calling at church on Sunday. A "calling" is an assigned responsibility that usually lasts from 1-3 years and then you get moved into a different responsibility. I have been teaching 10 year olds for one year and before that five year olds. I've had quite a few callings in my 37 years and it is amazing how much of that experience helps in other areas of life. I'm excited for this new responsibility.
P.S. A vent - I do have a comment or two to make about being single in a family ward. Only Mormons will understand this I think....or maybe I'm wrong. For some reason being single makes me seem 1.) younger 2.) inexperienced 3.) not a leader 4.) brainless and 5.) unable to do basic tasks. I never know what to do when I get comments like "oh, now are you going to be ok with just you and the kids?" or "You'll see, over the years you will find yourself in more leadership experiences" or "are you comfortable handling that?" Hmmm. I don't know how to respond to these kinds of comments and so I primarily keep my mouth shut. The oldest child in me struggles not to rear it's face. Now, luckily I got a few "congrats" and "good luck" on this one which is fine by me. In fact most people this week said that it's a really fun calling. I'm just saying that I get these comments ONLY in family wards, and not necessarily in my current ward. I'm making a broad sweeping generalization here- but, it is my blog and I'm allowed to do so.
Surprisingly in my past, I've been in relief society presidencies, young women presidencies, regional institute program leadership, a music chairman, temple worker and a teacher many times over. I was even a ward librarian when I was seventeen. (That was a great calling!) In difficult times it seems like I always end up behind the organ or the piano which is a nice stress relief. Either way, I've been around the block and any shortcomings in accomplishing the calling have nothing to do with ability, but rather with my inability to focus. (I tend to create too many personal to dos)
Ok, that was a random vent. What I'm learning is to never assume people know less than they know. Treat them as if they are brilliant, talented and confident - somehow they will rise to the occasion or they will ask questions or...it will become evident. You may be pleasantly surprised and find out that they are aware of much more than they let on.
For me, I will actually be entering some new territories with this calling. The hardest part is what is always the hardest part for me - making telephone calls. So, perhaps this is my time to overcome the phone phobia. Of course, maybe I'm wrong and will be humbled after making all of these statements about callings. I will find out it is much more than I bargained for and I will begin to keep my mouth shut.
....I do feel a humbling starting to take place the longer I type. Yikes.
5 comments:
For what it's worth, when I read the title of your post, my first thought was, "FANTASTIC! She will be AMAZING!!!!" Well, maybe those exclamation points are excessive, but you get the idea. Point is, the primary is beyond blessed to have you in there. I think you will bring many profound insights. You are good at reading people and you are a great leader. In short, you will be great.
(P.S. I really am happy to be in nursery. . .just in case you were wondering now that you're the secretary.)
Ah - my secretary is my lifeline! You will do so good in the calling. Politics in primary is no fun but the kids are a joy!
I do remember feeling like people felt my being single wasn't an asset - like somehow I was incapable of real responsibility or commitment, inexperienced, not understanding of the whole "family thing".
Funny, but now I feel that way being a women president over the largest organization in the ward with mostly men to report to or communicate with on sensitive issues. :)
Anyway, good luck and if you ever need ideas or to vent - I will understand!
I hear you. Although I had different experiences depending on the ward. In some wards they stuck me behind the piano but in others I was YW Pres. and called on for many responsibilities. Just depends on the ward. I like what you said though about expecting the most out of people. We had a lesson on this on Sunday and how if you expect the best people will rise to it.
I thought perhaps this is why God commands us to be "perfect" because why would he want us to attain anything less. It used to seem like a burden but now I see it as more of a compliment and an opportunity. He is saying to us" you can do anything and become anything".
Good thoughts all!
I totally understand. I used to feel as though people looked at me like I was special ed Pam because of my singleness. But now? People in LA are somewhat frightened or in awe of me... whatever on both counts. I've had 3 official callings and 2 unofficial in the past 10 months in this ward. I think it's because I actually DO my callings, unlike most people, so I'm constantly given more and more responsibility.
Rebecca... I've always thought that you were (and continue to be) an amazing person. I wouldn't feel one bit less just because I was single. You have talents and abilities most people only dream of having... and you're gorgeous!
Congratulations! I know you'll do a great job!!!
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