Today was one of those days you are not sure whether to smile or cry--so you do both. In our church meetings today, I got released from being the Relief Society President. We will be moving soon, so I knew it was inevitable, but I still felt a little shocked.
They called me about 1 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant with James. My reaction was, "Are you serious??" I felt so young and small and insignificant compared to the other women in my ward, but of course I accepted the call.
I'll leave out all the boring details of the everyday stuff, but let me say that it was truly an honor and pleasure to serve and be served by the women of my ward. I needed to learn a few things, and this calling taught me so many.
One of the most important things I learned was that everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt. You never know what another woman is going through, so it's best to treat everyone with love and kindess. I was amazed at the stregth of the sisters in my ward as they faced daily trials. I repented often that I am quick to judge and complain easily. You just never know what someone is going through. I am grateful for the forgiveness of the women I served, because I am so far from perfect, but I always tried to do my best. That's another thing I learned, we are all just doing the best we can with what we've got.
The other lesson I am sure of, is that God is loving and merciful and created organized religion so we didn't feel lost or get forgotten down here. I marveled how well our church takes care of its own and others in need; because they really care. I do believe that spirituality is personal, but that it is enhanced when we share our devotion with others. That the full love of God is usually felt in the presence of other holy people.
And finally, I learned about the strength of a group of women who band together and help and love each other. It's incredible and truly other-worldly.
I was grateful for a calling where I had an excuse to get to know everyone. That when I asked how people were, they really told me. That I was welcomed into homes and shown so much love.
Surely I learned much more than I taught, and I'm so grateful for that. Hopefully, I helped a few along the way.
11 comments:
What neat things you were blessed to learn. Thanks for sharing them with us. I'm continually learning those same things.
What a great post, Brooke! You expressed such great insight and wisdom. I'm glad you got to learn all those things -- I could learn a thing or two from your words! Truly, what an amazing opportunity, and how great that you really did magnify it. I'm sure you'll find your way quickly in your new ward, especially now that you're well-practiced at getting to know everyone!
How sweet! That's the scariest calling of all time in my mind, but you make it seem totally worth it. I'm sure you will be greatly missed!
Brooke. What a great post. Thanks for sharing! I'm sure you were phenomenal : ) - E
Brooke! I am so happy for you. I am happy that you got released (it IS hard with such small kids) and I am happy that you learned so much, did such a great job and felt so much love.
I love reading your blogs! You are such an amazing person, I am sure you will be missed; but what a lucky ward to be getting you & your sweet family.
I love those kind of posts...thanks for letting us get to know a little more of that side of you. I'm sure they will miss you!
Remember when you were drill team pres? You've always had that leadership/sisterly bone in you.
I bet you did such a gantastic job and they're all sorry to see you leave. I know I would be.
Wow Brooke! You are an amazing woman. I'm sure you helped others much more than you could ever know. Can't believe James is one! What a cutie he is!!
Great job Pres. You never cease to amaze me at how much you can accomplish in a day. You have helped many people, me being one of them. Drill team president? Wow...impressive.
WOW that is amazing! i didn't even know you were RS Pres. That is soo difficult! i can't believe you! Sounds like you for sure learned a TON from that calling! isn't that great, sometimes you get called, and aren't sure why, but look back on ALL the wonderful things that you have learned!?
Way to go! you are AWESOME! where you moving!?
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