There’s a NEW president in the house!

Step over El Presidante, because there’s a new president in this house, and it’s me.

Yesterday, I was called as the primary president in our ward.  For those who don’t know, the primary is the LDS organization for children from ages 18 months to 12.  We do almost 2 hours of church for them weekly, along with an afterschool weekday program for girls 8-12, and cub scouts for boys 8-12.  Are you laughing yet?  Me too.

And then crying…

They extended the call (the bishop calls you in the office and asks you if you’re willing to do a specific job) on the Sunday before I left for Utah — June 23rd, leaving me lots of time to mull over counselors.  Which, wasn’t all that helpful since I have been to Relief Society all of maybe 3 times in that ward, one of which I was crying much of it — so that shouldn’t even count!  I started with a list.  So many people on the list didn’t feel right.  The ward directory blurred in front of my tired eyes…

Another weird thing — prior to this call I just felt like crap.  I had no friends, my kids were driving me nuts, church was driving me nuts, Drew was pushing me over the edge.  Once the call came, and I accepted it all went away.  I have a strong testimony that Satan tries really hard to do things that will make us not do things that will make us the happiest.  His efforts failed… point to me. 🙂

I came up with 2 counselors a secretary and a chorister.  I have spoken a bit to one of my counselors.  The other two I have literally never even met.  I think I envisioned myself bringing all my friends in to work with me and us all holding hands and singing coom-by-ya together, but that just didn’t fit.  Strangers fit.

I will admit I felt inadequate picking people who may have a big impact on children without even being set apart.  But, it all worked out.  I was lucky to be able to talk with a lot of friends, sisters in law who have had such a “blessing” in their life too while I was gone.  I feel prepared, and inadequate.

I’ve had about 3 panic attacks as I am also starting to get PTO emails and starting to think about my positions there.  I will be keeping them.  It just seems wrong to have committed to them, and then back out because of church.  Kind of not how I want our church portrayed, or myself portrayed.  I am firmly committed once I commit.  It’s a blessing and a curse.  The reality that even with a job, 3 kids, this new church calling and my 2 PTO jobs I have plenty of cracks in my life that I can fit things in.  I may just have to keep the self organization in high gear in the coming weeks.

Yesterday I met all my presidency.  I love them all.  I feel really blessed knowing that God will help you pick out a house on the internet, and counselors without meeting them.  You just have to make that first scary step and he’ll pull you through.

In other news, we had a GREAT trip to Utah.  I wrote that last post while waiting for the plane.  I want to blog about our good times in Utah.  Lots of friends and fun.  I love it that way.  Life just keeps getting fuller.

Do you have something in your life that looms large, but with small bites you seem to manage it?  Tell me about it! 🙂