It’s "101 Reasons Why I Can’t Do This Job." (Actually there were only 33.)
There was another list of reasons why I didn’t want the job.
And a third: reasons why I needed to take the job.
A few weeks ago when I was called be to stake Relief Society president, I made similar lists. It’s just something I have to do.
So finding my old list today was interesting. The substance of the “Why I can’t” list hasn’t changed much. But some. Being a RS president changed me more than anything I've done in life. It changed my very personality. Obviously not enough.
The reasons why I don’t want such a job have increased.
I'm older. I'm tired.
But most significantly, the list of reasons why I am willing to take the job got bigger. It is because of the things I learned from the first and second go-around.
This is what I know:
This is without doubt the Lord’s kingdom, and His work, and He is in it.
God lives, and reveals Himself, especially to worthy Priesthood holders.
This Church is run by revelation in every corner, even mine.
Whom the Lord calls, He qualifies. He “shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it (TS Monson via sweet Jill).”
Perfection comes not in staying home and reading scriptures but in serving our fellow men.
I have been blessed too much and am too indebted to the Lord to refuse Him.
I love the Lord and know that to help His children is the most important and rewarding work of all.
I was set apart last week. It was a powerful and humbling experience.
I finally met today with the outgoing RS President. I felt again like a dumb little kid, and sick to my stomach all day. I felt before, but never more acutely than today, in dire need of help, and that, of myself, I am nothing.
The image that keeps coming to mind and that has gotten me through is that of a yoke.
I am so grateful I’m not alone.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you; For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30
4 comments:
I will be forever grateful you are my mother. Your example, your powerful testimony, your willingness to serve, and your love for the Lord have greatly blessed my life. Thank you for another incredible post. You will do wonders with this calling because you rely on the Lord so well.
I can't even imagine having the amount of responsibility you've got right now, or the overwhelming feelings you must be having. But you're certainly qualified for the job and are the right person for it, so that has got to be a huge comfort right? You were chosen for a reason, so no matter how many doubtful thoughts creep into your mind, you can know this calling wasn't a mistake and that you're not in it alone. I love the imagery of a yoke and I love that scripture.
So interesting that you would talk about a yoke and bearing the burden...
I am waiting for you to come to Utah to have a conversation about this very thing! I don't think I'm getting it...
Love you!
It is amazing how the Lord knows how to lift and strengthen you when needed. He must feel that you have the compassion and Love that that the sisters in your stake need at this time. I just Meet Jenn last weekend. She is just wonderful. So I am sure that you are just as wonderful. My parents just moved to Mckinny 2 weeks ago. When I was talking to Jenn I was thrilled to find out that Mckinny is a wonderful place, as I have never been there. I wish you the best as you start your new adventure as the New Stake Relief Society Pres. Loved your thoughts on it.
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