Wednesday, February 6, 2008

NEW CALLING

Okay, I have been debating whether to put this on the blog or not, but since it is really my journal of our adventures in Australia I am going to. I got a new calling on Sunday. I should have known I was in trouble when I received an e-mail from Tim (in the bishopric) and he said he would like to meet with us before Church.

[side note: for those of you reading this who are not members of our Church let me tell you what a calling is. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have paid clergy. Therefore, as members of the Church we are blessed to have opportunities to serve others by helping out. We do unpaid service to those in our ward boundaries and get countless blessings because of it. ]

I knew that they were going to release the Primary President (primary is the classes for the kids 18 months to 12 years) because she is due to have a baby. I kept telling myself that they were just going to release me and that was that. I had a nagging feeling that this wasn't going to be the case, but I kept telling myself that anyway.

So Sunday morning came and we went to Church early - which was harder than I thought it would be considering Church is at 9:00am and we have to drive about 15-20 minutes. I was released from my calling as 2nd counselor in the Primary, but as Tim said reliable people get other callings right away. He then extended the calling of Primary President.

Of course I said yes - you aren't supposed to turn down a calling after all - but I was terrified inside. I told Tim that I would be able to find a way to fulfill this calling and of course Kev supports me 100% which is awesome!! Since we have a week off for Stake Conference I have two weeks to think of counselors. Therefore, I thought that they would also hold off calling me for a few weeks. Nope, not how it is done here. They released the old presidency and called me - so as of right now I am a one woman show.

So how do I feel about this? I am a bit humbled, terrified, and excited.
1. I am humbled because I don't believe that I am that good with kids. Yes, I have three of my own, but that doesn't make me good with kids.
2. Terrified because I am not sure what I am doing. It has helped that I have had the same calling for about three years now - 2nd counselor in Primary. I thought it was funny when they called me to the same calling I had back in Utah - I guess I was just being prepared. I am not scared of doing Sharing Time - this was my biggest fear when I first got put into Primary. I am not scared of interacting with the kids - I think they are the easiest group of people to teach because you teach the basics of the Gospel. I am scared of being the one in charge. I know that I felt this way when I was called to be the Young Women's President so many years ago.
3. However, with all these other feelings I am excited. I am excited to stretch myself and to learn and grown.

Hopefully I don't mess up too badly and I can bring a little of that Northern Hemisphere "charm" to the Normanhurst Ward Primary.

11 comments:

Mari said...

you'll do marvellously well!!

Travis said...

WOW, that is fun! You will do great. Remember we all told you that you would get some big calling while you were there, they need some fresh faces and ideas.

I was called as Ward Activities chairman and the next week they extended a new calling and retracted the old one (they had not sustained me yet) I am now the 2nd counselor in the primary presidency. I am pretty excited, I have never worked in primary. In fact its been many years since I have been there. So I guess I got your old calling.

Anyway congrats, you will do great!
janae

Unknown said...

You will do a wonderful job! The most important part is knowing what the children need. Having your own kids gives you lots of insight, and the Lord makes up for the rest.

Lots of Luck and Love.

Anonymous said...

Nagging feelings, bad weeks, I that that combinabion. You will be great. Remember you will have two counselors to help you and that is the best, to be able to work through problems and prayerfully get solutions.
No where is the spirit so strong as in Primary.
Congratulations, you will do great.
Mom

Anonymous said...

It's supposed to say hate instead of 2 that's.
Mom

Stacy said...

Thanks mom!!

Suzi said...

As the Primary President you have the power to chose someone more appropriate for music leader! ;o)

Maybe one that can conduct.. or remember the words.. and the tune.. and..

hehe

CindyS said...

You will do a fabulous job as always! I am with you, don't like being the one "in charge", but you will be great! Good luck!

Suzi said...

Sorry, forgot to mention that I know you'll do a great job. It was obvious to me that you were going to be Primary Pres. You have a nice soft manner that the kids feel comfortable with.

Dera said...

You will do great in your new calling. You always know the right thing to do. You have always been good at listening to the spirit.

Amy said...

Good Luck Stacy! I know that you will be amazing!!!
Love, Amy