As most of you know, I have been serving as the Miamaid adviser for the past seven months or so, and Thayne has been teaching the 10 year olds in primary for ... oh, about the same amount of time. We both LOVE our callings. It seems like that is what we say about every calling, but these callings just seemed to be going so well.
Last Sunday, our bishop called us into his office. At first I was thinking, I bet he is just wanting to know how things are going for us. then I realized that it was just a crazy thought, and more likely than not, he was going to give one of us a new calling. it had better not be me! It can't be. I haven't been in Young Women's long enough for them to realease me and give me a new calling.
Bishop visited with us for a few minutes, and after a while, he said, "We called you in here because we need to make some changes." (Of course he was looking at me when he said this.)
The only thing I could think of, was, not me! He can't release me! and then he said, "Sister Dawson..." and paused.
"Don't you dare release me from Young Women's!" It wasn't a threat, just more of a plea. Unfortunetly, it didn't work, and after a pause that felt like it lasted five minutes, he continued.
"We would like to call you as the new primary president."
"What?"
This was the point where I started crying like a baby, and thinking about all the reasons why I shouldn't be the primary president; first, hello, I am barely 24 - in the top 5 youngest adult members of our ward without a doubt. - there are so many other members in the ward who have WAY more experience than I do! Why me? second, how could he release me from Young Womens? I felt like I was growing and learning so much! third, I am so disorganized, and the queen of procrastination. Wouldn't they prefer someone who is good at being one step ahead, and always on time? fourth, How in the world am I supposed to fulfill a calling this big with so much going on at home? all these things and a thousand more where going through my mind, but there were also good thoughts, you know the kind, you can do this. This is the perfect opportunity for you to grow. The Lord won't stretch you more than you can handle. The blessings that you will recieve will out weigh any struggles!...
As I accepted the call, I still couldn't help but wonder, why me, out of the hundreds of people in this ward, why me?
I cried the entire way through my lesson in Young Womens, and had to reassure the leaders that, no, I wasn't pregnant, just very emotional that day.
Throughout the rest of the week, I felt like all I did was pray. But I know now, that there is a reason why I was called to this calling that initially felt like it was far to big for a small person like me. - Not that I didn't believe that the call came from my Father in Heaven, but those prayers, and the comfort I received reassured me more than words can say!
Choosing my counselors was an experience that I won't forget. It is amazing to feel the inspiration that comes with a calling, and to feel the spirit work through you.
If you had asked me a week ago how I felt about this, I would have broke down and cried, and not known what to say. I felt so overwhelmed, and terrified. To be honest, I think I had my doubts of whether I could actually do it. But today, I feel so excited! I feel that if the Lord called me to serve in this area, then I know I can do it. I believe that my Heavenly Father knows me better than I know myself, and I trust that knowledge that he has. Somehow I know, that if this is where He wants me to serve, then this is where I need to be. I may be young, slightly immature, and a little disappointed about not being in young womens any more, but I believe in myself, and in this work that I am a part of, and I know that if I work at it, I can succede at feeling confident in this calling, and loving what I do.
I truly love the primary! I love being with these sweet spirits who strengthen me, and bear testimony just by their love, faith, and simple, unselfish acts. Although I am still scared to death : ) I know I can do this. What a wonderful opportunity this is for me to learn, grow, and teach these wonderful children. My counselors are awesome! I know that they will be great, and that together we can move forward in this wonderful work!
A small sampling of the dealings and adventures of our family and the love that we share.
5 comments:
Good for you & good for you for having this experience. It's sooo scary...now you know how I felt when I got called to the R.S. You'll do a great job & just remember the Lord will qualify who he calls! You'll do awesome!
Kiama, you are amazing! Your faith inspires me! Though I can't even imagine how overwhelming it would be to be called to such a calling, I know that you will be a wonderful Primary President. Oh, and I loved the pictures from your last post. Your kids are so adorable!
Ah Kiama!! Congrats, you are going to be such an amazing Primary President!! You are such a great example and those kiddos are going to learn so much from you! I amire you Kiama, you are so great!
Oh my goodness, I know exactly how you feel! I was miamaid advisor too until just recently I got a new calling in RS. I too, am not one of, but THE youngest, I was very scared and anxious and definately way underqualified. But, like you, things worked out and I am loving it. So anyway, I am just happy to see someone with my same feelings and experiences!!! Good for you.
OH Kiama, I had no idea! I need to read this more often! Believe me, I know how you feel! When I was called as YW president, OH My Gosh! I cried and cried. I cried so much in the bishop's office, there was that "uncomfortable silence". It's kinda funny as I look back on it now, but this doesn't surprise me. This is where you belong!
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