A Productive Member of Society

Growing up in an LDS community, being LDS isn't just about going to church a couple times a year. I've discussed this at length over the years with people, both of the LDS faith and of other beliefs. Being devoted to any religion or belief is truly a way of life rather than something you simply Do, just because. Any of you who grew up in such a culture or are around those who have, you know exactly the way of life to which I'm referring. Such was part of my growing years, I must admit. I also must admit to associating my "worthiness" to a calling being held (or not held). I know I've grown away from that, too, thankfully.

See if you recognize this Mormon Urban Legend:

There once was a man who was very old (I don't remember if he was crippled or just really old, but that doesn't matter). His was the responsibility, every Sunday morning, to set the Hymn books out on the pews before the meetings, then, after the meetings, he would gather them up and put them away (I guessed this was before they started building the holders onto the back of the pews...). The Bishop noticed him one Sunday, doing his calling and was impressed with how tenderly and reverently he handled the books as he was distributing and collecting them. One Sunday, the Bishop arrived at the church about his regular time. The old gentleman was not there, neither were the Hymn books out on the pews. Someone was sent to the old man's house. Sure enough, he was sick and passed away a short time later. Up in Heaven :) the old man (why couldn't we have given him a name, or maybe I just forgot the name with time) came to stand in front of Jesus. The old man looked down at his feet, almost embarrassed. Jesus asked what was troubling him. The old man said, "I was never important. I never did anything outstanding. I was never a Bishop or a Stake President or even a General Authority. In fact, the longest calling I ever had was putting out the Hymn books each Sunday because that's all I could do with my crippled, old body." Jesus looked at the old man with love in his eyes and said, "It doesn't matter what you do; What matters is that you do what you are asked."

Whatever version you remember, I've had to remind myself of that lesson many times over the last few years. My time away from my family has overpowered my ability to serve (not my desire) due to our family circumstances. I pray it will not be this way forever. But I frustrate myself with wanting to serve but not wanting the responsibility.

Anyway, The Bishop's secretary called yesterday while I was at work and D made an appointment for me with the Bishop for tonight. At first, I thought, "Finally. I'll get to do something." Practically our whole ward was rearranged the week before last, so I knew all of the big stuff was taken. :) Then I started getting nervous. Calling? I can barely get my visiting teaching done, not to mention house cleaning. How am I going to fit in a calling?

I was in the bishop's office and the first counselor asked me to be the Relief Society Newsletter Coordinator. Huh?

I cannot remember a more peaceful feeling when being offered a calling. I literally had the Holy Ghost confirm to me, then and there, that this is a small way I can be of service in my ward. I can be involved without taking even more time away from my family. I just thought that was an awesome experience.

Even though it's small, that is where I am needed right now, and I'm okay with it, and then I remembered the before-mentioned story. :)

The Lord doesn't lighten the burden; He strengthens the shoulders. My shoulders have been strengthened tonight and I am grateful for that experience.