Sunday, May 30, 2010

The shock of a lifetime!

Two weeks ago I sent Bob off to his Sunday bishopric meetings without a care. Sure I had to get myself and four kids ready and out the door to church by myself but I'm used to it and that's how life is. Oh, how unsuspecting I was that day when Bob called home just before noon to tell me he was on his way home to watch the kids because the bishop wanted to meet with me. Off I went with wet hair, no makeup and no idea what was about to happen. I felt pretty secure in my calling - I'd only been the second counselor in the primary for just over a year so I didn't really consider a new calling. Well, I got one. Relief Society President!?!?! Who, me? Apparently yes.

I went home and cried for the rest of the day. Then began the week of no sleep and difficulty eating because of the constant butterflies in my stomach. Oh yeah, and lots and lots of prayer! Things began settling a little bit when my counselors were decided on and called - I was amazed at how right it all felt and how much better I felt knowing I'm going to have good sisters at my side! Then came the sustaining and setting apart last Sunday. I stood up in sacrament meeting and tried my best to smile but I guess it didn't work too well because I received the following comments from three different people: "you looked so nervous","you were as white as a ghost" and "you looked like you were going to vomit!" Dang, I guess I didn't look as calm as I was trying for! Oh well.

After sacrament meeting we were set apart and the bishop gave me a beautiful blessing that reassured me that this is where I'm suppose to be and that the Lord will make me equal to this task. And He has. I am feeling far more confident than I ever imagined I could feel in this calling, especially only two weeks out! I have had lots of ideas come to me. I've survived my first food order and after following a prompting to go to the Temple yesterday, I even feel like I might survive giving my first ever Relief Society lesson next week!

It has been an amazing and very humbling experience to feel the Lord's hand in my life so strongly these last two weeks. I know that with His help even little old shy, mousy me can do this calling, and maybe even do it well. So, here we go...

6 comments:

Abbi said...

Let me be the first to say that you will be (and already are) an awesome Relief Society President! I love you Carolyn!

Megan said...

You will do an amazing job! I wish I was still there to reap the blessings of relief society with you at the head!

Paul and Rachel said...

I think you will do such a great job with your sweetness and loving personality. You are wonderful!!

West Family said...

You will do a great job! I can't believe how overwhelmed I feel for you, I have to say it gave me a bit of an anxiety attack for a minute:) I am sure you have it all under control and your ward is so lucky to have you as their RS pres!

Katie said...

You will be fabulous Carolyn! Relief Society is a great place to be, and the ward is lucky to have you!! xoxo!

Maegan said...

I wish I was in RS to give my smiles and comments to your lessons. But I think you are doing a great job.
Way to go forward in faith friend.