My previous calling was in the Young Women program, and so I joined a Young Women Facebook Group looking for all sorts of ideas about activity ideas, helping the girls to teach lessons, and how to get 16 year olds to respond to texts.
Here’s what I’ve noticed in that group, though.
Often, someone will post:
“Help! I just got called as Young Women’s President and I’m feeling very overwhelmed with everything on my plate. Can you give me your biggest piece of advice you wish you knew when you started?”
It’s pretty obvious that the person asking the question is looking for answers like: “Here’s exactly how to delegate to your counselors and secretary!” or “Here’s the link to the binder I bought that will solve all your problems” or something.
And yet time and time again, the thread fills up with similar comments that always warm my heart:
“I wish someone would have told me to not worry about anything and just love the girls.”
“Get to know the girls and just love them!”
“I wish I hadn’t been so judgmental of these girls at first and just worked on loving them exactly as they are.”
Amazing, right?!
I was blown away by Susan H. Porter’s talk in this most recent General Conference.
She told a story about a man who had left the church for a long time, but then undeniably felt God’s love and just knew that he needed to return.
But when he received his first calling after becoming active again, he said his perspective about callings changed completely:
“Now the question for him became not ‘How can I fulfill this calling?’ but ‘How can I show God’s love through my service?’
“With this new approach, he felt joy, meaning, and purpose in all aspects of his calling.”
There are important things for us to do. There are Ward Councils to attend and activities to organize and plans to execute.
But at the end of the day, are we unintentionally choosing to: “neglect the more weighty matters?” D&C 117:8
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
