Blessings

This past few weeks have been a little crazy for me.  Since we moved to Salem I've absolutely loved our new ward.  The people here are so nice, down-to-earth, friendly, and have such amazingly strong families and testimonies.  I've learned so much from the people around me and for that I'll forever be grateful.  My callings in Scouts and  teaching primary were exactly what I needed to feel like I was making a small difference in the ward.  I was very comfortable with the people I was serving with, and very happy with where I was.

Rewind... I do have a small confession to make...  In the past (like several YEARS ago)  I always felt a little sorry for people who had to serve in primary.  It's kids crying, running around, being crazy, and I thought there wasn't a whole lot of spiritually to be found there.  It was more of a job each Sunday.  Maybe it was just because once I graduated from High School the primary is just where I was always called to serve.  Derek and I were in the nursery and primary teachers for the majority of our early married life together.  And because of my attitude, I honestly didn't get a whole lot out of it.  My testimony never weakened because of it, but it certainly wasn't strengthened.

Then something great happened a few years ago.... 

I was called to team teach the kids turning 8 years old in our old ward in Spanish Fork.  I was previously in the YW for a few years prior to this calling and I wasn't sure what to expect.  Maybe it was just me being a little older (and hopefully wiser) but my entire attitude and perspective on primary changed.  I finally realized that primary is really the foundation of the church.  If those kids, MY KIDS, are not taught by the best and most spiritual people at an early age, their testimonies might not make it.  Without a successful primary experience, the entire Young Women, Young Men, Elders quorum and Relief Society organizations don't really matter much.

So I loved teaching this class.  I was in that calling for only a few months when a member of the bishopric showed up at my door and extended the calling of 2nd counselor in our primary presidency (well it was 3rd counselor for a couple months but that's a different long story...)  I was overwhelmed.  I was still trying to figure out how primary worked, who the kids were, and how I could teach my little class by the spirit. How in the world was I supposed to be in front of everyone, doing sharing times, and teaching so many people at the same time!  Because I know who is in charge, of course I accepted and got to work. 

Those years in that primary presidency will have forever changed my life. Not only did I make life-long friends, primary has become the ONLY calling I ever want to have.  The spirit the kids bring is unmatched by anything I've ever experienced. 

When we decided to put our home up for sale in Spanish Fork, my calling in the primary was the only hesitation I had.  The week I was released was one of the hardest times I've ever had at church.  I was completely and totally devastated to leave the kids and calling that I loved.  But... I was certain that moving was what Heavenly Father had in store for my family.  I moved forward with faith that things would all be okay.  

Fast forward 9 months...

A couple weeks ago I received a new calling.  There is no doubt in my mind that callings come from our Heavenly Father.  No matter how big or how small.

I was called as 2nd counselor in the primary of my new ward.  I couldn't hold back the tears as I was set apart.  Everything I was feeling was confirmed by the prayer, and my heart is so full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father who knew that I wasn't done with that assignment.  I know it's just a church calling, but to me it's so much more than that.   I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father knows me, he loves me, he knows what's best for me, and he knew that my heart was still a little bit broken to leave that calling. 

I did my first sharing time last week and I'm so happy to be back in that role.  It felt so right! This new presidency is so different than the last one.  Both are amazing and have taught me so much.  I'm so excited for the new friendships I'm making and for the journey that lies ahead. 

Now, I must confess, I feel slightly sorry for anyone who DOESN'T get to serve in primary.  There is so much happiness and love to be found there, and isn't that what church is all about?

I.  Am.  Blessed.