About three weeks ago, I got the news that the Bishop wanted to see me. You know that means something new to do. I was actually excited to get in and get involved in this ward because we've been here since the last week in August and I still had no calling other than being a visiting teacher. So, Derek, the kids and I headed to the Bishop's office to find out what awaited me.
I like to think of myself as a very willing participant--someone who realizes the importance in the small callings. Especially after being Relief Society President in my last ward, I appreciated those people who took their smaller callings seriously, allowing my job to run smoothly.
That being said, when the Bishop asked me to be the Assistant Nursery Coordinator, I was a bit disheartened. I accepted of course because, like I said, I'm willing to help and not every calling is glamorous. However, it was a very hard day for me following this news because I don't feel like the nursery calling utilizes my natural talents in anyway. One of my only talents (the other talent is eating) is being organized. I asked the Bishop if I should contact the Nursery leader to find out what I should do and he said, "Nah, just show up." That made me feel worse, thinking, "Great, I'm just going to be hanging out in the nursery all day."
I realize that callings are supposed to help us to grow in areas where we are weak and apparently I still haven't mastered what this calling is supposed to teach me because this is my third time in this calling in the last 4 years. It's still hard for me though because I'm with small kids all week long and I'm one of those people who goes to church and is actually willing to participate and enjoys learning while I'm there. I know plenty of people who would vie for this job because they just endure church. That's not me.
So, today I was sustained in my new calling and I showed up at the nursery only to find no other adults and a bunch of kids running around. I don't know what happened to the coordinator today, but she didn't show up. Luckily, there was another couple there who knew the kids and helped me out. It actually wasn't bad and the time went pretty fast.
The best part though was feeling a little connection to the kids. I really did feel a little close to them--one of the blessings of a calling. It's not that I don't like other people's kids, but nursery is a lot of kids running around usually and you, as the director, trying to keep them from hurting themselves or each other. One of the little girls sat on my lap during singing time and told me how beautiful my shirt was and was so sweet. Aren't children fun? This same girl asked me to take her to the bathroom and this is where the conversation occured that made my day.
We arrive at the bathroom stall. I asked her, "Do you need any help or can you do it yourself?" She replied that she could do it herself. While she's using the bathroom, I'm standing outside the stall door and then she says the following:
Kennedy: "My mom says that I'm going to have to start wiping better."
Me: "Oh yeah? That's a good idea."
Kennedy: "Yeah, she said if I don't wipe better I'm going to get an infection."
Me: "Oh no, that wouldn't be good."
Kennedy: "Yeah, and it will last a long time and hurt a lot."
I can hardly wait to find out all of the secrets in the ward. You know I'm going to hear it all. This is going to be so fun!
17 comments:
Jarom and I are actually nursery leaders of one of the five nuseries in our ward. For the most part we love it! And, you do find out all of the little secrets of the ward.
Jarom was called a few weeks ago to be one of the coordinators for Home Teaching. Well, that meant that he had to leave for a few minutes during nursery. So he went out and found one of my friends in the ward and she came in and we chatted while he was gone. At one point in our conversation she wanted to know which class of Sunbeams I was teaching. Only to find out that my kids in nursery are very well behaved. I don't think it hurts that we give them the beat down every once in awhile :) Just kidding!!!
It really is a fun calling. I wouldn't want it forever but for right now I am having a good time getting to know the little people. Plus I look at it this way. They must really trust you to be with the very youngest in your ward because at that age they are just leaning how to develope testimonies and they need good teachers and, cooridinators around them to help them build a strong foundation.
Make me scared to think what Elodie is telling her nursery leaders!
I'm so glad you are focusing on the positive with this calling...
It's like I said before, you do your best in this calling so your kids will be blessed with good teachers too!
I know I definitely appreciate Elodie's nursery leaders and she absolutely adores them!
You will be so awesome at this! And organization is VERY important in this too! You'll be a great asset and 'learn' alot about those around you! :)
Keep in touch!
www.toonfamilyarizona.blogspot.com
That is hilarious! It reminds me of the time when Jon and I were teaching Sunbeams right after we got married. I had just asked a question about Heavenly Father or Jesus, and this little kid raised their hand and said..."One time my dog pooped in the yard, and then he ate it!" We could hardly contain the laughter, because it was so obvious that he had been waiting to fit that in ALL day. I've never actually been in Nursery, but have spent almost all of the last 8 years in Primary. I'm just now doing my first run in Young Womens as the Mia Maid advisor. It's kind of crazy, because I have Anne's little sister in my class and several others that I can remember as babies. Are we that old?
Wow- I missed church today because I stayed home with Kate after her little tumble yesterday (see my blog)
I was the nursury leader when I first came to this ward. You are going to LOVE working with Jody Gonzales- she is amazing. And Diane Shepard is so fun too. I know it is not a glamorous job but I so appreciate what they do for Wyatt in nursury.
Love the conversation with Kennedy. You need to tell that one to Koby.
AHHHHH fun! my hubby was in nursery for 5 years. he is legendary in this ward. they talked about putting me in Nursery too! but i told them they'd have to check me into the loony bin if they did.
that is fun though!
and hilarious! i always wonder what my kids are telling their teachers! you'll do great, and nursery is in my opinion a very important calling! bad leaders in there make Sundays hard on the parents and the kids. great leaders make for happy everyone! and there is so much you can do to make it special and memorable . one lady would laminate everything, and they had the best handouts ever! i had a hard time throwing things away. YOU are important in even the non glamorous callings.
Audrey, you are more than great for having a good attitude about this. That would be hard to be in that calling 3 times in 4 years!! I know though that I appreciate the nursery leaders so much!
I am really proud of you! I dont blame you for not being too excited about this calling. sometimes RS is my way of recouping from my crazy week. But I know you'll be great! Good luck!
Way to focus on the positive! I don't know about your ward, but in our old ward you would have been able to use your eating talent. . . I mean where else do you get snack time during church? I think that I would have the same attitude if I were called into nursery (I was in there for 18 months in our last ward and couldn't wait to go back to RS and gospel doctrine.)
Nursery...what a great thing!!! You never know if you're talking to the next prophet or maybe his wife!!! In Relief Society, no huge challenges....they are what they are... As far as pay...they both pay the same and so I'm thinking that they are on the same level on the corporate chart!!!
That's what you get for going to church! Tyler and I are "inactive" as far as our ward is concerned, and as an inactive couple, we don't have a calling. I guess I should be counting my blessings instead of wishing for more responsibility.
congrats on your new call!! that means we get to work together every other sunday in the nursery. we wete in wisconsin on sunday, so what did dianne get called to?
p.s. count yourself lucky if you only had to take one girl to the bathroom. usually its 5 or 6 at a time.
First of all, I too now fear what my child may be telling the nursery leaders. And second, you are such a dang good woman!! Your ability to turn everything into a positive is so amazing and admirable!! Honestly, thinking of being in nursery makes me slightly suicidal. Happy New Year!!
My most humble condolences, Aud. You're a stronger woman than I knew...but you need to move to a place like CA where we're in such short supply, people like ME get called as YW Presidents! (Eeeek!) Also...my apologies to your friend Lacey, but...she has a daughter named Elodie? Not Melody, right, but Elodie? This is a profoundly stupid question considering the evidence but...she's Mormon, right? :)
Love and luck in your new calling!
I know exactly how you feel. We've been in our ward since July and i just recently got a calling- Levy was called into young mens right away and I just sat around and waited- every week questioning my worthiness more and more. I was excited when I spoke in church and then tuaght Relief Society the next week- I thought things were looking up. But no, I just kept waiting. I was finally called to be the achievement days leader though we comine with another ward for activities so all I do is plan one activity each month. I love it though it doesn't keep me busy and doesn't help me meet anyone so I was a little discouraged though glad I still get to attend Relief Society. What's amazing is that some friends of our started investigating the church and since I'm free throughout the entire block I'm able to attend gospel essentials with them and then go to relief society. Sometimes you never know what's around the corner.
never mind, i guess we won't be in nursery together. :( scott and i are now the teacher for the 6-7 year olds
Four times in nursery? You're kidding . . . maybe you are being prepared for lots of your own children! I think it would be fun to hear ward news from toddlers . . .
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