I love my new calling, I love that it is going to stretch me and give me a little push to get out of my box. I'm serving as the Education counselor in Relief Society. I consider myself a pretty outgoing person, but there are always women in my ward who I don't associate with during the week and therefore don't go out of my way to get to know. There are always women who need assistance and it's so easy to put it off, find an excuse or know that someone else will take care of it. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve, and therefore love the women in my ward.
I have come to believe that we learn to love those we serve and if for some reason we are having a hard time loving someone, it's because we're not serving them. My amazing friend Amy made a comment yesterday in RS that struck a chord with this very thought. It's no wonder parents love their children so deeply- you can't help but love someone you are consistently serving. Amy has a 12 week old little guy and is learning that some of her preconceived notions about parenting fly out the window when you fall in love with your baby. All of a sudden you really can go without hours of sleep because you are needed. New mothers learning to feed their babies go through excruciating pain and endure it with quiet tears because they are needed. When a marital relationship is struggling, it may be time to examine how much service you're rendering to your partner.
I'm needed. I'm right where Heavenly Father wants me to be and I know that. I know this calling didn't come about by my name being drawn from a hat, but that there was prayerful consideration and divine inspiration. It was probably extended in order to stretch and teach me than for me to benefit others, but I feel peace that I'm in the right place. I am working with an incredible presidency of women who puts the needs of others before their own and spends significant time on their knees on other's behalf. I am humbled to be serving so closely with them and hope that I can somehow contribute to the strengthening of the sisters in our ward.
President Kimball said, "God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs..." I hope I can stay close enough to the spirit that when Heavenly Father needs me to answer someone's prayer, I'm able to listen. I have sweet visiting teachers who receive inspiration for me all the time. They are both incredibly in tune and happen to call or come by just when I need it and say just what I need to hear- this isn't by accident this frequently. I think my mind is so muttled sometimes that Heavenly Father uses other people to answer my prayers.
With all that goes on in my daily life, it is incredibly reassuring to know who's in charge, that there is a plan and that inspiration is alive and well in my part of the world.
4 comments:
Yes! You've got it! That's exactly right--you learn to love those you serve. You'll be so surprised how your capacity for service will increase as your love increases. It's an upward spiral. Thinking of that, is it any wonder how much the Savior loves us and how He was able to serve us in the way He did through the Atonement?
I loved this entry. Everything about it really. So I'll simply add my hearty Amen.
It's a wonderful thing to feel that your calling is inspired. I think it helps so much in your ability to magnify your calling and your ability to serve when you truly feel called. I'm sure you will have wonderful experiences!
No, you see, I am the one who is blessed to associate with such a great person as Amberly. When I asked the Bishop for her assistance, I was a little afraid that I would not measure up to HER expectations of me. She has much to teach me and I am a willing learner.
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