Monday, June 14, 2010

It's true!

One new thing in our lives is our church callings. As I reflect on my growing-up years I'm frankly quite shocked that I've found myself as the Primary President. I was the kid that sneaked away from Primary to the bathroom, persuading my friend to come with me, and spun around on the lazy boys in the woman's nursing area until found.

The thing I'm surprised about that is that I was never scolded for it. No one ever made me feel like I was a bad kid. I don't even think my teachers told my parents about it. The Primary leaders just found me and brought me back to Primary. Eventually I grew out of that phase and really liked staying in Primary. I felt good there.

Until this calling I had not looked back to realize how I was completely nurtured with love in Primary. But, I was! I am so grateful for all the patient teachers who put up with us kids who gave them a hard time. I'm grateful for their lessons and testimonies that shaped who I am today. Above all, I am grateful for their example so that now I know how to love the kids I'm a steward over. But, you know, it's a love that has come so naturally.

I realized this as I found myself holding back tears Sunday as a 3 year old girl, Emi, read this scripture,

"And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying: Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world."

As she read it in her sweet, 3-year old dialect, my soul was pierced. I felt so much love for her.
I understood then that truth really does proceed out of the mouths of babes!

I also recognize this natural love growing when I'm teaching or singing songs with them. I can see the light of Christ shining brightly in their eyes. I am in awe with their sweetness and goodness, even if they are squirming, poking their neighbor, and reorganizing the chairs in their row. I love this calling. I am so grateful to know that I am a child of God and that we--all of God's children--are in this journey of life together trying our best to return to God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.

5 comments:

Rachel said...

wow! Primary president? Good luck my friend :)

Lindsey S. said...

That is so exciting! I am the 2nd counselor in our primary presidency and I can't lie I wasn't too thrilled when I got called. But I have completely loved it!

If you haven't heard of the sight called sugardoodle.net it will become your best friend. I have to right our Primary Program this year so if you guys have any great idea's I would love to hear them!

The presidency before us switched sharing time and conducting and floating weekly and we decided to do it monthly. I'm not sure how you guys do it and some people might not like it the way we do it but we all love it. It makes it nice to teach the entire month of sharing time and really get to know your topic better. Then you have 2 more months before you have to worry about it again. Anyway, just a tip on what we do and I love it. But some people might not!

Lindsey S. said...

I love how you guys are getting a copy of the kids talks. I wrote our program a couple months ago but just the themes of the month and week and the songs as well flowing from Jan-Dec but I knew I would need to add some more personal touch and asking for the talks would be so perfect. I always try to listen hard but I can never remember month by month what went on. Great idea!

I've been in for about 1 year now. It's been a lot of fun and the ladies I work with are so awesome!

We have a few apartment buildings in our ward though so it seems as if we have kids coming and going more often then usual. It keeps it a bit hectic on keeping up with everybody but we decided to put together a picture roster which has really helped. Our bishopric kind of requested it so I went ahead and did it myself. It was hard to put together but once it was done it was well worth it. Now it's just trying to keep it updated! The kids are great though. It sounds as if you just love it too!

sarah e. said...

What fun! I love Primary. :) I get to have my feet in Relief Society and Primary as I teach Primary but am on the Enrichment committee. Luckily I don't have to be in charge! :P Good luck! You'll be amazing.

Stephanie said...

Wow. You will make a great primary president! All those kids are so lucky to get such a sweet leader. :)