I have been thinking a lot about callings lately because of the recent changes in our ward. My husband finally received a calling this past week to be in the Sunday school presidency, and something tells me that a calling for me might be right around the corner. Probably because the Bishop asked my husband on Sunday what my first name is again. So, obviously, I think I am on his mind. Never a good place to be if you are trying to avoid a calling.
But, I’m not. In fact, I have found that I feel a little lost without a job to do on Sundays. I loved primary, and miss it dearly. Especially the sweet music and children. But, I know that in every stage of our lives, we have different callings that are meant to help us grow as well as give us the opportunity to serve others.
“Callings” in the LDS church are, simply put, an unpaid job that is assigned to you by the Bishop, through inspiration. Bishops spend many hours praying and searching for the right person for a calling. Our church is unique in that we do not have any paid assignments in the church. It is expected that you accept a calling if asked. Sometimes we love these callings, and sometimes we struggle through them.
Henry B. Eyring, in a talk titled, Rise to your Call, spoke of how to help members see what they need for callings said, “What they will need, even more than to be trained in their duties, is to see with spiritual eyes what it means to be called to serve in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. This is the kingdom of God on the earth. Because of that, it has a power beyond any other endeavor in which humans can engage. That power depends on the faith of those called to serve in it.”
While we may not always think the callings are inspired, we should try to look at the opportunity to serve through an eternal lens. As members of the church, we will almost always grow from a calling if we make up our minds that we will do our best, and serve however we are needed.