Callings Throughout the Years

Our family has been part of the Odessa 4th ward since it was created four years ago.  A few weeks ago, due to active membership and growth in Odessa shrinking, our ward was dissolved.  Bishop Ormsby gave a talk mentioning his list of callings throughout the years and spotlighting a few.  He mentioned noticing patterns in were he was called to serve and that some callings stretched him while others felt like a more natural fit.  

I thought it was very interesting.  Here is my list of callings that I can remember.  

• Beehive class counselor
• MiaMaid class counselor
• Laurel class president
• Homemaking Counselor in Relief Society 
• Visiting Teacher (my first time and then always until 2018 then a ministering sister)
• ? BYU Sophomore year
• Sunday School Secretary (BYU Junior Year)
• Missionary (California Arcadia Mission, May 1994-November 1995)
• Ward Missionary
• Gospel Doctrine Teacher (At BYU but I can't remember which year)
• RS Counselor
• Activity Committee?
• RS Counselor (1997, BYU married ward)
• Primary Chorister (2000 when we moved back to Odessa)
• Seminary teacher (2001-2002 school year)
• YW Beehive Counselor
• RS Counselor
• Activity Committee Chair
• Primary Counselor or Secretary
• Relief Society Secretary
• Primary teacher
• YW Secretary
• Primary President
• YW Stake Secretary
• Nursery Leader 
• Cub Scout Leader
• YW Personal Progress Specialist
• RS Counselor 
• YW Counselor
• RS President 

I am not exactly sure of all of my callings and especially the timeline after 2001.  They just kind of blend together.  I've loved reflecting on this list.  Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been such a blessing.  I can see the way these callings have stretched me and help me grow.  

When I think of all of the sisters and brothers I have served with, I love the things I've learned from them and the bonds we've formed in service.

I always love my callings.  It seems that whatever my current calling is, it's my favorite.  Before I wrote this list, if someone would have asked me where most of my callings have been, I would have said definitely Relief Society.  However, looking over this list, I realize I have been in the young women's organization or served the youth many times as well.  

A couple of callings that initially caused a lot of stress were Sunday School teacher and Cub Scout leader.  I felt very inadequate in both.  Once I began teaching Sunday School, I realized, "Hey, I can do this!"  I knew I needed to know the material each week, but I also needed to know better how to teach.  I studied teaching methods a little more and realized learning how to ask good, open ended questions made a huge difference in class participation.  I was also able to not freak out as much when I reminded myself that I was leading the discussion and there was no need to teach an hour sermon each week.

When I was called as a Cub Scout leader, I was terrified.  It felt so foreign.  I had nothing to pull from my personal experience.  (It gave me respect for new members with new callings for sure!)  Parker was almost in Webelos, so I had been to pack meetings, but Brian had always worked with him for any scout related things.  I read the parent portion of the Cub Scout handbook and learned so much.  I really wish I would have read that when my boys first joined scouts.  It was enlightening.  

Week by week, we plodded through scouts, and I learned each week how to lead a little better.  I do have some regrets.  I wish I would have let the boys be a little more hands on and wild each week.  We did do some fun things like a hike, a visit to a Fire department, a field trip to see the 9-11 flags at Memorial pond, and a medical helicopter tour.  I learned to love each group of active boys, and I enjoyed my scouting years.

I think the calling I am repeatedly called to is a member of the Relief Society presidency.  I feel very comfortable here.   I love serving with and among the sisters in the church.  I love listening to them.  I love learning from them.  I love serving them and serving with them.  I love my fellow sisters young and old.

When Odessa 4th ward was dissolved, everyone was released. So after 3.5 years, I am no longer the Relief Society President.  I haven't received a new calling yet.  I am looking forward to serving wherever I am called.  I do love the opportunities serving in the church gives me to stretch and grow in many ways.