Primary

For almost three years I have been the Primary President in our ward.  For those who don't know, Primary is the children's Sunday School program in our church.  On any given Sunday, this was around 60 children ages 3-11, plus the 30+ children in nursery.  (They're 18 months to three years old.)  This meant I was in charge of all the children, their teachers and leaders, quarterly Saturday activities, baptisms, the annual Sacrament Meeting program, Cub Scouts, Activity Days, and etc.

I wasn't alone - I had two wonderful counselors and an excellent secretary.  With their inspired help we were able to mostly stay on top of things.  (I say mostly because kids are so surprising - you never quite know what to expect from them!)

I won't lie.  At times it was a lot of work.

But it was completely worth it.

I have never had a calling that challenged and humbled me so much.  It helped me grow in ways I didn't realize I could, didn't realize I needed!  I learned about the importance organization, time management, delegation, patience, and, most importantly, prayer.  I learned that sometimes you just have to have faith that everything will work out; and, if you work hard and do all that you can and pray a lot, things do. 

I'll let you in on a little secret.  Before I served in Primary I wasn't really a big fan of other people's kids.  Not that I disliked them... it's just that I liked mine so much more!  I just felt like I wasn't really a kid person.  The idea of working with kids kinda freaked me out; it was hard for me to talk to them and relate with them and understand them.  Honestly?  They kinda scared me, mainly because I didn't know what I was doing.

But then I accepted this calling and got to really know the children.  And now?  I love those kiddos.  Love them.  I love their simple, elegant, and complete faith in the gospel.  I love that they are, on the whole, truly good and truly trying to be good.  I love their funny logic and their habit of straying off topic.  I love their acceptance of everyone, no matter how new or different.  I love them.

Not that it was all wonderfully perfect all of the time.  Sometimes kids act out, teachers don't show up, parents get in the way, Sharing Time lessons just don't go according to plan.  I mean, there were Sundays where I just wanted to go hide in a closet and cry because I was so frustrated.  There are Sundays that I did this.  But then I'd get over myself, wipe my eyes, and get back to work.

But those small instances were greatly overshadowed by all of the good experiences.

Yesterday I was released from the calling.  I had been in for a while, I'm having baby number four soon, and it was just time for me to move on.  I definitely have mixed feelings about this.  On one hand, it'll be great to have less responsibility and more spare time.  On the other hand, I'm pretty sure adult Sunday School and Relief Society won't be nearly as entertaining! :)

As of now, I don't have a calling at church, and I probably won't until after the baby comes.  I can't remember a time when I didn't have a calling.  This is very strange to me.  I'm trying to take advantage of this free time, but I'm sure that all too soon I'll be itching to serve in the ward again.


My faith in the gospel and in our Savior, Jesus Christ, grew by leaps and bounds with this calling.  The challenges I faced didn't decrease or challenge this faith; they strengthened it.  I'll always be grateful for these experiences.  I think my feelings can be summed up with the lyrics to a song the children learned last year for the annual theme "I Know My Savior Lives".  (I still cry every time I hear them sing this.  I don't know that I've every made it all the way through singing without choking up!)

I Know That My Savior Loves Me

A long time ago in a beautiful place,
Children were gathered ’round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
Each saw the tears on His face.
The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

 

Chorus
I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

 

Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above.
Chorus

 

P.S.  Have questions about the beliefs and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?  Go here to find answers. (Or you can always ask me!)