Sunday, February 20, 2011

So Happy!

Not too long ago I did a post about my new Relief Society Calling as Chorister. I was so nervous and inexperienced at first that after I lead the first song I sat down and cried. I dreaded every song we sung until one day I happened to pass by the primary room where I saw my 7 year old daughter fearlessly leading the children in song. She had hoped I'd somehow see her and she gave me the faith and courage to be the best inexperienced conductor that I could be.

Eventually I lost my nerves and became somewhat comfortable in front of the sisters. My technique never really improved even though a sweet sister would track me down every Sunday (she'd even follow me into the bathroom) to give me a conducting lesson.

I planned out the songs we would sing until April and I tried to match them up as best I could with the lessons that would be taught. I also had to give a little background on our practice hymn each Sunday. I loved doing this because it was fun to see how the music we sing came to be.

Today I was released from the calling as chorister. Can you see the big smile on my face? I was called to be the Second Sunday Relief Society Teacher instead and I can't tell you how overjoyed I am. I love to teach. I have been teaching in some capacity or other since I was 17 years old and I feel I owe my testimony and knowledge of the gospel to the countless hours of preparation for church lessons.

Do you want to know what else makes me super happy? It was the way I left my calling as chorister. I can say that I did my best. Even though I hadn't the first idea how to lead music, I did it every Sunday. I even learned to (almost) enjoy it. I could have complained every Sunday or found excuses to have someone else lead. But I didn't. I squared my shoulders, planted my feet and fulfilled the calling that Heavenly Father asked me to do even though, at first I felt like I would rather die. I feel like I can be proud of myself because I did what the Lord asked of me.

Isn't it funny that I should like teaching better than leading the music? I think in all callings the following statement is true " The Lord doesn't need our ability, he needs our availability and if we then prove our dependability, he will then increase our capability."

3 comments:

Toshia said...

I am having a hard time with my calling. I am glad to hear that you have a calling you are excited about now. I need to do what you said and fulfill my calling the best that I can.

Sarah said...

Oh Amy you are great at everything, I don't know why you were so nervous.I am very excited about your new calling though. You were my favorite teacher. You made sense of things. I am sure the 5th ward sisters are looking forward to you teaching. I love and miss you! Can't wait til you come here!!

Lauren said...

It's great that you had a good attitude and did your best...that's a lesson in and of itself that you will teach to others.