Challenges

So I was released from my calling today. I knew it was coming, but I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Then as I was walking down the hall, several people commented on how I must be relieved and how I could go to grown up class now. I just smiled and agreed and went to class like always.

But all afternoon I have been thinking about it, and the truth is that I am not as relieved as everyone seems to think I should be.

First of all, I think most people are secretly glad they didn't have my calling. Their loss. Working with the kids every week can be frustrating, but it also way more fun than any other calling I have had. And while it is challenging to get and keep the attention of 50 kids every week, it is also true that they are more forgiving if you get it wrong once in awhile. And I always think if you can explain the gospel so a five year old gets it, you are doing OK.

That's just part of the story. The other reason I am not as relieved as expected is because I know what is coming. Or I don't know. That is, I know that there is another calling in store for me. I don't have enough details yet to know if I am excited about it or not. What I know for sure is that every calling is an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and be challenged to learn and grow. The good news is that my possible new calling has the potential to be what I make of it.

The bad news is that I have a sneaking suspicion that the real reason I am being freed up from my calling with the kids is to prepare myself for B's move from Primary to YM. Gotta be honest, I am pretty sure I am not ready for that challenge. The thought of sitting in class and making small talk with old ladies looks good compared to trying to have an adult conversation with the budding adolescent that is now my son.