Sunday, January 27, 2008

It's raining children....

A few months ago I was approached with a unique oppertunity. The bishop wanted me released from Primary, where I had served as pianist for over 2 years. I was comfortable where I was at, quite happy at not being unduly challenged. But our ward has a problem. Our nursery consists of about 17 children, many of whom are a little needy, and our leader was very overwhelmed. She had been in there alone for a few months and was desperate for help. So I breathed in deep and accepted the challenge. I was to be in charge of singing time and being an extra pair of hands in general. It was going well, we lost 7 to Sunbeams, and the parents appreciated having consistent leaders.

But then...

They redid the relief society, taking my nursery leader as a counselor. I feel like posting a sign, "Pardon the mess, under new management." Suddenly, I am in charge. Now, total chaos is not something that frightens me. I live it every day. But we keep getting new kids as people move in and others get old enought. And these are not my children. These are someone elses little ones and they are entrusted to me for 2 hours every week. That is all the time I have to teach them gospel principals in a way they understand. I am not sure I am up to the task, although, the primary leaders and parents say I am doing a great job.

The plus side to all this is that I get to play with blocks and have snacks. And when a child acts out, I don't have to deal with it. That's when I go find the mommy.....

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a truly daunting task, but I think that most callings are not given to us because we can do them well, but because they will give us an opportunity to grow well. As challenging as this calling may be, I know you'll be up to it because He will be there with you.

Stephanie said...

This is the point where you go and ask the bishop to provide for you someone to be what you were for the previous leader - an extra pair of hands and another adult mind. :) That said, hang in there and enjoy the time that you get to spend playing instead of having to sit still for those two hours.

Melinda said...

Wow! I am one of three leaders over our 1/2 nursery of 11 kids. I could NEVER take on even that amount alone. Kudos to you for your continued state of sanity!

Sarah said...

Our nursery has 3 leaders and no more than 9 kids on any given Sunday. I substituted once and am SO grateful for them. You nursery leaders are great!

Michelle said...

I do have one helper, but she hasn't been there for a couple of weeks now. The primary and Bishop are aware that if they want me there for more than a few months, help must be forthcoming. :-) At least I got the primary chorister to start coming in and doing singing time for me. That's a big help!

Grandma Danes said...

You'll be great. I've seen you with your children. We should never get comfortable in any one place because for sure that's when we will get a change. If you like I can add your name to the prayer roll at the Temple!

Karen said...

Hang in there Michelle, I too know you are up to the challenge. You are after all a Danes, and an Earl and whatever other stalwarts you have in your geneology. And, you are not expected to do it alone. Make sure the Bishop doesn't forget that.