In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is no paid clergy. The whole worldwide organization is run by us. Common, regular, imperfect, amazing us. Leadership positions are extended via a Spiritually-inspired invitation--or call--to serve in a certain position for an indeterminate amount of time. Being released from a calling can be due to personal circumstances, moving, or just because the Lord knows what's best and sometimes what's best is to do something else.
I've had lots of callings since my teenage years; some I've loved and some...well, some I've loved less.
In my current ward (geographical chunking of Church members into congregations), I've had many callings. Just a few short months ago, actually I had four. At once. I know, but that's what God needed me to do & I could handle it.
One, Interpreter, was rather a moot point, because the Deaf girl I interpreted for for two years moved. I'd just never technically been released.
Another, Cub Committee Chair, was one I had for a few years. It took me a while to figure out what my responsibilities were, but had it figured out by the time I was released & Aimee was called. Naturally!
My third calling was to be the Assistant Activity Day Leader. I really enjoyed this one. Twice a month, Aimee (she was the leader) and I would get together with the 8-11 yo girls to play, craft, serve, learn and teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A little over a year ago I was called to be in the Primary presidency as the 2nd Counselor. This was a little overwhelming, but fun. Spending two hours every Sunday hanging out with great ladies, getting to know the children in our ward, and teaching and learning about Jesus via His scriptures was amazing! I joked that between Cubs, Activity Days and Primary, if you were a child in our ward there was no avoiding me. Mwahahaha!
Last December the presidency was reorganized, and I changed to the 1st Counselor. The secretary stayed the same, but the other two ladies were new.
Then a new Activity Day leader was called, as I was a little bogged down & needed to share the blessings. Shortly afterward the Cub calling was re-filled & I had just one (plus my phantom nonexistant calling).
And today I was released from Primary altogether.
To be frank, I'm not ready. I'm not done. I love my calling and am sad to see it go. But I also understand that callings come and callings go. I've learned what I need to learn; I've taught what I need to teach. Others need to be in that position to learn and grow and bless others in ways that I can't. I'll miss the kids, and I'm going to have a reeeallly hard time sitting still in my own grown-up classes now.
I'm curious where the Lord will put me next. Where He needs me, where my talents can help others, and what I need to learn there. But in the meantime, I'll have a little more time to focus on my family. And I'll enjoy it.
