When I got a new calling, I joined a Facebook group.
This was a few years ago, and I was serving the youth.
Huge fan of Facebook groups for callings, by the way.
But here’s a pattern that I noticed happening over and over again:
Someone new to the group would post that they just received this calling.
They were very overwhelmed.
And they wanted everyone’s best advice and tips.
It was pretty clear that the person asking the question was HOPING 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 similar.
And YET… time and time again,
The thread filled up with similar comments that always warmed my heart:
“I wish someone would have told me not to 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.”
When we serve at church, it is easy to unintentionally “. . . neglect the more weighty matters.” (D&C 117:8)
Susan H. Porter 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?”
Or are we focusing on what matters most— showing God’s love?
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
