Bishop's Summon

I've been extremely blessed with amazing people in my life who have taught me the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through these teachings, I've learned to be grateful for the knowledge I have of the restoration and to help build the Lord's kingdom in any way that I can.

 

Serving a full-time mission isn't for everyone. That doesn't mean that you can't serve, it just means you have an opportunity to serve closer to home. :) This has been my role since the time I graduated from college in 2008. I've had the opportunity to serve in many positions which include: Young Women camp director, young women advisor, primary teacher, primary presidency, young women personal progress coordinator and soon enough, i'll be serving in one of the most trying positions I believe there is in the church.

 

I received a text message early Sunday morning from Bishop Ahau:

 

Bishop - "Nia, can you come to my office before sacrament at 12:40p?"

Me - "Yes."

Bishop -  "Thank You."

 

My reply was simple but full of questions and curiosity. When I arrived at church that day, I was immediately summoned into his office and it wasn't even 12:40p yet. That had to be a sign of importance, right? Well, I walked into that corner office and sat down across from Bishop. He asked how I was doing and how everything in my life was going. I answered as best I could and when he was satisfied, he proceeded to giving me a new calling...a counselor...in the relief society presidency.

 

I have feared being called to the relief society pretty much my entire life! haha. It's always been a "scary" calling to oversee these women who know everything and talk wayyyy too much. After Bishop told me, I hesitated and asked if he was sure. Bishop's reply was proof to me that he is a man of God with a vision, "Yes. The Relief Society has come a long way and we're almost to where I want them to be." Bishop's words were so profound and as scared as I was, I couldn't say No.

 

He told me to pray about it and ask Pakileata (who is 3months), if this is something we'd have time for and would be willing to do. I was still in shock and when I finally came to my senses, I told Bishop that there's no way I would say no to any calling, but I would definitely need a lot of deep breaths. haha.

 

After being extended to such a major calling in our ward, all I can continue to do is take lots of deep breaths, pray for help and understanding and most of all, give thanks for the opportunity I have to serve! I was on lds.org earlier and reading from the church handbook, it says that the mission of the relief society is three-fold:

 

1. Increase faith and personal righteousness

2. Strengthen families and homes

3. Help those in need

 

I pray that as I take on this calling, I'll remember these purposes and do all I can to help our relief society sisters with these. I know it's not going to be easy and I'll need to learn patience now more than ever, but I'm ready for the challenge and for the growth opportunity. A blessing in disguise :)