We had one of THOSE meetings scheduled.

This was a few years ago when it was just my husband, our 1-year-old daughter, and me.

It was a meeting with a member of the stake presidency where we knew my husband would be extended a calling.

Gulp.

We had lots of fun speculating what the calling could possibly be.

But while we were speculating, I suddenly had a thought clearly come to my mind:

“This calling will take a lot of time.

“You need to learn to not resent him for leaving you with your daughter more often.” ⁣

It was a very clear thought. ⁣

I think my husband and I are a fantastic team usually.

We’ve always been very clear that we are both equal partners when we are home.

We take turns making dinner, we care for our kids, we do household chores.

Things honestly have felt pretty “fair”. ⁣

But I felt the Spirit preparing me that things might not be “fair” for a while.

And that I needed to be okay with that.

In fact, I needed to find JOY in my counterpart offering of service to his service. ⁣

Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians stopped me in my tracks — because I have lived this.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Since that day 4 years ago when my husband was called as a counselor in the bishopric, and then continuing to his call as a bishop, my heart has slowly changed.

I’ve had to take on extra responsibilities and get comfortable doing things by myself.

But am I giving my service grudgingly?

I honestly try not to.

(I mean, it still happens, but then I try to give myself grace and press forward.)

Sometimes, I just try to serve out of “necessity”.

It’s pretty neutral— I’m just doing what needs to get done.

But my goal is to be a cheerful giver!

Not to put on a fake smile and act like everything is okay.

But to truly be cheerful to be able to serve in the way I’m asked to right now.

To find joy in taking on different responsibilities. ⁣

To be happy to develop my weaknesses into strengths. ⁣

It’s been a process.

But it’s been easier and easier to catch when I’m feeling “grudgingly” or resentful and willingly focus on my Savior instead.

And truly, honestly, when I think about Jesus, my heart becomes a lot more willing and joyful.

I’m taking steps to become a more cheerful giver of my time and energy.

And hopefully, someday, my selfish weaknesses can become a strength, all thanks to my Savior.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

Share:

Facebook
Pinterest
Email
Print

2 Responses

  1. I always appreciate you sharing personal experiences. You are inspiring and impressive! Thank you for all you share!! ❤️

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

Keep Studying

Related Posts

Asking for help 

Those silly Nephites. ⁣ They were struggling for their lives. They were being slaughtered. Their peace was being destroyed. ⁣ And yet they didn’t call

Church-y Christmas Gift Guide 2024

With the holiday season upon us, are you looking to gift something that is memorable and meaningful?! I have gotten the opportunity to connect with

Team Lead 

After my first year teaching, I felt like I was drowning. ⁣ Teaching middle school was tough. I prayed that there would be some kind

Mormon refused

Mormon refused to be the military leader anymore. Not out of hatred, or disgust, or annoyance. ⁣ But out of love. ⁣ “I… had loved

Remembered 14 years later

MORMON REMEMBERED what Ammaron said to him as a 10-year-old boy. Do you remember anything that someone told you when you were 10 years old?