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Monday, November 8, 2010

Stress VS Anticipation...

When I was not yet 18 a few of my friends and I started teaching Primary at church - for those of you not in the "know" this is LDS lingo for where all the young kids are locked up while their parents enjoy a few hours of leisurely classes of their own.

Okay... so we don't lock them up...  and they actually get their own lessons, even snacks for those really little ones... and a LOT of singing.

At 17 this was a kick - I felt very "official" being a teacher - and I enjoyed it until the day I went to college... 

In college we had entire church congregations made of only students... so let me ask you how on earth it is that I was teaching Primary again?   there were 5 kids...  all belonging to the few couples that served in leadership roles...  and I was their teacher. 

No longer 17, the "kick" was somewhat absent... but hey, out of these hundreds of students they trusted ME (okay, and one other chick... she's not vital to this story) with their children... wasn't that flattering?  wasn't it?

Out of college and married we moved to Colorado - where I taught Primary and was the Primary Secretary.

Moved to Kansas... and yes, you guessed it... Primary.

Moved to Utah...  was only in the congregation for about 6 months, but managed to be in Primary anyway...

Moved to Washington... where apparently they saw the big "I love Primary" stamp on my forehead... because not only did I teach in Primary and then serve as the Secretary, but then they put me in CHARGE of the stinkin' thing. 

Moved here... 

No surprises:  Primary again, teaching, scouts (which is really just part of primary guys), leading the music... all primary - all the time.  I should probably mention that I'm not exactly talented at leading music.

Leading Music in primary reminds me a lot of Singing at Dinner Theatre...  you may be singing your heart out - but there are at least 37 different conversations going on around you.


Thursday I received a phone call... 

Friday I stressed

Saturday I anticipated a BIG change...

Sunday morning I made plans... had it narrowed down to two new callings (a.k.a. church jobs) that they could want me to fill...  and I had to talk myself out of being excited...

Sunday 10:30 - my new gig?  Ummm... nothing. 

Really?  what the what?  Nothing.  Apparently I get a break... a vacation... the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. 

Sigh of relief - walk to the car.

The key wasn't even in the ignition before I realized that "vacation" is really just code for "be afraid... be very afraid..."

16 comments:

Jenny P. said...

My husband was elders quorum president for nearly ten years, in four different locations. It was as if he was wearing a sign on his back... as soon as we moved in, people saw it, and gave him the calling.

Saimi said...

Haha,yes my dear be very afraid!

I could live in Primary and was, the kids are where it's at for me. Young woman terrify me, being the mother of boys I don't get girls. R.S. is just as scary, which as of a month ago that's were they put me.

So even though I know where I'm at, I'm still afraid!

Kristina P. said...

I haven't been in primary since I was 18. Jesus loves me.

Barbaloot said...

Don't be afraid---just enjoy the moment while it lasts! I can't be too long...

I've been FHE mom in every single ward I've been in. What does that mean for when I become part of a "real" ward?

The Sports Mama said...

Not being LDS, I just equate this with teaching the preschool kids at my Baptist church growing up.

Kids are kids, no matter their religion. And kids? Are messy and sticky and snot-covered.

Which is totally why their parents practically threw them in the door and ran, laughing maniacally, into the sanctuary every Sunday.

Gina said...

My husband is like this with missionary stuff. He's 29 and this is his third ward mission leader stint, plus he's been a ward missionary two other times. Aside from 8 months total in the YM in two different wards, it's been all missionary work.

You know you're going to be in stake primary now, right?

Jen T said...

I think I just followed you around in Primary on the other side of the country :) But then I ended up in RS, and I would much rather be in Primary :) Looking forward to hearing where you end up next. Vacations are never long in the LDS church :)

Megz said...

Since you know it's coming then by-dang enjoy your vacation! Stay up late Saturday night without any prep hanging over your head....don't go to Sugardoodle....have a Sunday nap since there are no meetings...Dang, your vacation is sounding so awesome to me.

S said...

I know you are so glad to be out of Primary, but I just keep thinking that if you were not in Primary then my daughter would not want you as her aunt and would not want to name her daughter after you!

So, enjoy the vacation and worry about the next calling when it comes....;) You will be just as great there as you have been in Primary.

The Blonde Duck said...

Popped in from Lady Bloggers! I liked your comment about the last post. Maybe it really is just a vacation!

LC said...

I can't be trusted with kids, I guess 'cause I've never been in Primary more than 2 weeks!
Ha Ha! Drink some Postum and celebrate...and definitely update us with your new calling.

Missy said...

God Bless YOU!
I do not do anything that has the word Primary!

just the five of us said...

Hey...I thought you did a pretty good job of being in charge of the whole stinkin primary in Washington! :)

Remember everything that you learn, you learn in Primary.

Charlotte said...

I thought I was in Primary a lot! At least a I had a couple years of break in my 15 years.

Enjoy the vacation before the storm!

(My husband can't break out of the YM presidency role, every time we move he gets put there again!)

Sherie Christensen said...

Ah -- and you were just wondering if you'd have to actually lead the music in a primary program before they'd let you go! Maybe you can substitute for the next song leader during the next program:)

Sherie Christensen said...
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