I told my husband when the Branch President asked if he could stop by that he would extend us both callings. Sure enough, that was the reason for his visit. We were expecting to be called to the Primary or, more likely, the Nursery (the current nursery leaders just had a baby last week and we have a history in the class). Instead, he called my husband to be Sunday School President, and me as second counselor in the Relief Society.
“Wow,” I said. Then I said it another three times, all in sort of a shocked and dazed tone of voice. I think this concerned the BP, who asked if I wanted time to pray about it and/or talk with my husband. “No,” I said, “I’d be glad to serve, but wow.”
In my nine and a half years as a member of the church, this will definitely be the most responsible calling I have ever held. Heretofore, the most responsible position I have held has been as a Primary teacher, followed by my role in junior nursery. The rest of my callings have been fairly laid back and easy to maintain as Sunday-only: ward librarian, bulletin coordinator, and a member of the Enrichment committee.
Suddenly, I find myself keenly aware of the responsibilities of my new calling. This was highlighted during our quick get-together after church, in which I learned that a) I was the counselor in charge of Enrichment and b) I was the Enrichment committee. Yikes.
I spent probably two days in shock, and to be honest, I’m still in that place. I should emphasize that this doesn’t come from doubt as much as surprise; I’m amazed that the Lord thinks I am ready for such a heavy responsibility. However, I take comfort in the oft-repeated mantra, “Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies.” I know the Lord will give me the strength and magnify my abilities. I know that “the Lord gives no commandment unto the children of men save He shall prepare a way for them.”
One of my favorite stories from President Kimball’s book, The Miracle of Forgiveness, tells of a time that he extended a calling to a brother who politely refused. Then-Bishop Kimball extended the calling three more times, all to be met with a polite refusal. Finally, he plainly stated that the Lord was extending the calling specifically to this individual, and that the Lord desired that this member serve in this position. Of course the startled member then accepted the calling.
I, too, have a testimony that our callings come from the Lord. In all of my other callings, including the challenging ones of teaching pre-teens and toddlers (both groups, by the way, are similar in many ways), I’ve felt the Lord expand my patience and abilities. I’ve found ways that my talents have been appropriate to the task, even talents that at first glance might not seem to fit. I am sure that you, too, have had similar growth and blessings as you have served.
If you have not, I challenge you to seek more diligently for how the Lord would have you perform. Ask for the inspiration that you have a right to, once you are set apart. Examine your strengths and see how they fit into your role in the church. And, above all else, remember that the Lord wants you to succeed, and that He has a better idea of your divine potential than you yourself might.
Related Articles:
Should You Ever Decline a Calling?
General Conference: “O Be Wise”