Teaching
I love my calling. I think the only other calling I have loved this much is being the Primary Chorister in various wards. I feel like what I'm doing really makes a difference in my life and in the ward we are in. I know that technically, all callings matter--I truly do. But I feel like these two callings have utilized natural skills and abilities that God has given me to really build the Kingdom and it has come naturally--yet it's something I want to work and improve at.
I've realized that I love to teach. I loved teaching at AHSJ, loved teaching the gospel on my mission, love helping others I work with, I love teaching Cole and Caleb how to do new things and I love training and mentoring in any capacity. I find that I always benefit from it and I feel good watching someone else benefit from it, too. Stephen Covey would be happy to see me recognizing this as a win-win.
I'm currently teaching Relief Society. A few weeks before I received the calling, I was sitting in our new ward and they mentioned that there was a sub for the teacher that week until they could get a permanent one called. Immediately I felt/heard a voice telling me "it's you". It was plain as day and even though I pretended to shrug it off, I knew that I was going to be called as the new RS teacher. A few weeks later, the call came and I wasn't surprised. The counselor in the Bishopric said that most women nervously accept the call but mention how nervous/anxious they are and that they worry they'll be able to do it. I, on the other hand was excited and confident but not because I think I'm amazing. It's because I genuinely love to teach. Especially the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether through music or through the teachings of the Prophets, does it get any better?
I only teach once a month, so in my mind--it's gotta be good. I want to be prepared and do my best. At times while I'm reading over the lesson for the 8th time during the month, I'll start to doubt that I'm capable of conveying the message in the most effective way. I start to worry that I'll get up there and panic or freak out and it'll be a total fail. But I always remind myself that God is the one who called me. And He really does qualify who He calls--if we want and ask for His help. Even though I'm confident about my abilities as a teacher, it's because I'm aware that the gifts that I have, come directly from God to benefit His children.
I pray so hard to just be a mouthpiece and to not try to entertain or to come off looking self-indulgent. But I do let my personality show because I don't know any other way to teach than to be myself. My first lesson in this ward was more upbeat and fun, we discussed how to share the gospel and why it's so important. I had a good time sharing some experiences from my mission and hearing others share their experiences as well.
The last two months have been very emotional for me. I do so much praying and preparation and when I get up there, I think I know how things are going to play out and then--they totally don't go as planned. And I love it. It's tricky navigating when the Spirit redirects the lesson and my "plan" is off course but I love it because that means things are happening the way they should. I've had several experiences when I wanted or even felt like I should share a certain scripture, experience or thought while I'm preparing and then during the lesson, it's clear to me that it's not necessary or that my time would be better spent moving on to something else. Sometimes thoughts or scriptures will pop into my head out of nowhere. It's so cool to see the Lord work. I think that's why I love it so much. It is such an obvious, reminder to me that God is aware of His children. Not just of me but of what each of His daughers' needs are. He wants them to walk away edified even more than I do. And that's basically what I pray for all month.
I'm so beyond thankful to be a part of the greatest work on earth. There really can be joy during tumultuous times and that is because our Savior and our loving Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for this calling and for the humbling and spiritual experience it has been so far. I know I'm not a perfect teacher and I've got a long way to go before I am {eternity, anyone?}--but I am trying my best to please God and to learn to listen to the Spirit. I just had to get this recorded because I had such a neat experience on Sunday and it made me so grateful for this calling and how when I do my part, the Lord will do His...and it is always so much more than I could have done on my own.
I've realized that I love to teach. I loved teaching at AHSJ, loved teaching the gospel on my mission, love helping others I work with, I love teaching Cole and Caleb how to do new things and I love training and mentoring in any capacity. I find that I always benefit from it and I feel good watching someone else benefit from it, too. Stephen Covey would be happy to see me recognizing this as a win-win.
I'm currently teaching Relief Society. A few weeks before I received the calling, I was sitting in our new ward and they mentioned that there was a sub for the teacher that week until they could get a permanent one called. Immediately I felt/heard a voice telling me "it's you". It was plain as day and even though I pretended to shrug it off, I knew that I was going to be called as the new RS teacher. A few weeks later, the call came and I wasn't surprised. The counselor in the Bishopric said that most women nervously accept the call but mention how nervous/anxious they are and that they worry they'll be able to do it. I, on the other hand was excited and confident but not because I think I'm amazing. It's because I genuinely love to teach. Especially the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether through music or through the teachings of the Prophets, does it get any better?
I only teach once a month, so in my mind--it's gotta be good. I want to be prepared and do my best. At times while I'm reading over the lesson for the 8th time during the month, I'll start to doubt that I'm capable of conveying the message in the most effective way. I start to worry that I'll get up there and panic or freak out and it'll be a total fail. But I always remind myself that God is the one who called me. And He really does qualify who He calls--if we want and ask for His help. Even though I'm confident about my abilities as a teacher, it's because I'm aware that the gifts that I have, come directly from God to benefit His children.
" I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."(Alma 29:9)
I pray so hard to just be a mouthpiece and to not try to entertain or to come off looking self-indulgent. But I do let my personality show because I don't know any other way to teach than to be myself. My first lesson in this ward was more upbeat and fun, we discussed how to share the gospel and why it's so important. I had a good time sharing some experiences from my mission and hearing others share their experiences as well.
The last two months have been very emotional for me. I do so much praying and preparation and when I get up there, I think I know how things are going to play out and then--they totally don't go as planned. And I love it. It's tricky navigating when the Spirit redirects the lesson and my "plan" is off course but I love it because that means things are happening the way they should. I've had several experiences when I wanted or even felt like I should share a certain scripture, experience or thought while I'm preparing and then during the lesson, it's clear to me that it's not necessary or that my time would be better spent moving on to something else. Sometimes thoughts or scriptures will pop into my head out of nowhere. It's so cool to see the Lord work. I think that's why I love it so much. It is such an obvious, reminder to me that God is aware of His children. Not just of me but of what each of His daughers' needs are. He wants them to walk away edified even more than I do. And that's basically what I pray for all month.
I'm so beyond thankful to be a part of the greatest work on earth. There really can be joy during tumultuous times and that is because our Savior and our loving Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for this calling and for the humbling and spiritual experience it has been so far. I know I'm not a perfect teacher and I've got a long way to go before I am {eternity, anyone?}--but I am trying my best to please God and to learn to listen to the Spirit. I just had to get this recorded because I had such a neat experience on Sunday and it made me so grateful for this calling and how when I do my part, the Lord will do His...and it is always so much more than I could have done on my own.
Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege. (D&C 88:122)
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