Being Called of God

There has been enough evidence in my own life, and in the lives of others around me, to lead me to firmly believe that I need never be too concerned about the exact degree of inspiration involved in a particular call to serve in the Church. I know that the Lord is indeed in charge. But from the time of Adam, he has consistently allowed his children (including our leaders) to exercise their agency in ways that enable them to have many and various “learning experiences.”

I also believe that God can help us to grow and progress in important ways even in the midst of situations that may cause us some frustration or unhappiness.  I have only half-jokingly declared that the reason that I was asked to be in charge of Public Communications for a stake in Baltimore was probably so I would be incredibly relieved to be subsequently called as a ward Relief Society president!

Sharing with my priesthood leaders any real concerns about my present circumstances which might indicate that a particular calling may be (or may have become) inappropriate is something I’ve usually done. Sometimes, after prayerful consideration, the leader saw fit to withdraw or postpone the calling, or extend a release. Sometimes I’ve been counseled to accept the call in faith, or to “soldier on” through my difficult situation––which I’ve done––and things have always worked out in the end.

In unusual cases, I have seen how the inspiration to interview someone for a call ends up accomplishing a different, but necessary, purpose. The Lord may wish to reassure someone that they are worthy to be called to a position, even though they are unable to accept the call because of health, family, or other reasons. Sometimes the interview calls forth a needed confession that may help someone along the path to repentance and peace. Sometimes we may hold a calling only for a very brief, but necessary and sufficient, period of time. 

Although I think that often it really doesn't matter where we serve, or who serves in a particular calling, sometimes it truly does matter. In those cases, the person suggesting the name and/or extending the call often has an impression that may not always appear “logical,” but that in hindsight usually proves to have been providential.

Some of the ward callings I have held to serve on a committee or teach a class could well be regarded as callings from man by expediency, with God’s approval. In all those cases, I was very grateful to have received a sweet personal confirmation that the calling was exactly right for me at that particular time.

For me, it has been reassuring to know that I can always rely on God’s power to help me fulfill my callings. And I have witnessed how members who support each other in their callings (even in the midst of any struggles they may face because of their own or others’ shortcomings, thoughtlessness, or errors in judgment) can be blessed to feel the Spirit and draw nearer to our Father in Heaven as they serve.

Dealing with Weakness

 

I needed to recognize a serious weakness lately, when I was having my photograph taken to accompany a quote of mine that is going to be displayed with several others at an upcoming church Women's Conference with the theme "Fear thou not for I am with thee."

 

After taking shots in several poses––front and three-quarter, smiling and serious––the photographer asked me to sit in profile with my hands clasped in front of me, as though perhaps in meditation or prayer.  

 

I hesitated, mentioning that I was a bit sensitive about my hands. I used to consider them one of my best features, but they are now noticeably deformed with osteoarthritis. 

 

She immediately said that pose wasn't necessary, but I responded, "I'll do it. I need to overcome my vanity!" And I took the pose. 

 

Nowadays I consider that my green eyes are my best feature, and I was originally hoping she would use a shot where they were visible. But now I realize that I'll be happiest if she uses the pose where one of my weaknesses began to turn into a strength.

 

Lessons for 2023 from an Amaryllis

I’ve often said that I have a “black thumb” because plants given to me have usually died rather than thrived. Thus, when my sister gave me an amaryllis bulb kit that was intended to bloom at Christmastime, I was worried.

 

Little did I know, as I valiantly tried to strictly follow the directions on how to plant the bulb in the included soil and pot, that observing the growing cycle of this lovely gift over the coming days would help me see how I could make 2023 become a year of increased joy and satisfaction.