What a difference a week makes. 10 days ago I was the biggest stress case. After just finishing the planning and execution of our ward Halloween party it was time to turn full attention to the annual Primary Program at church. (The Primary Presidency, of which I am the President, writes and presents with the children a 40 minute program for the entire congregation about the things we learned through the year) Over the past several months the members of my Presidency have had to bail on the Primary for various reasons. I totally understand, but it has been a frustrating extra responsibility to pick up the slack along with all that had been going on at home and work. It was a learning experience and I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to serve with them and be with the sweet kids. Notice the past tense there? I was released as Primary President the same day we did our program in church. The program went fine, even after all my stressing and bad dreams about it. We ran over time, which I was not pleased with, but everyone really loved the kids talks and songs. Jessie did great saying her part and singing all the songs. Not surprisingly, Toby provided some entertainment during his part. His teacher was helping the kids with their lines in case they forgot them and accidentally said Toby's line for another boy in his class. Toby gets up right after and says his line, "Jesus is my Savior and Redeemer!" but to the congregation it seemed like he just copied what his teacher just said. Then he jumps down off the riser in front of the pulpit and high-fives a member of the bishopric on the way back to his seat. I think he liked hearing the giggles from the congregation. Logan sat with Grandpa Bob & Grandma Evie since both Dave and I were up in the Primary program.
We passed out blank papers for members of the congregation to write a note to the kids. After the program, we had some snacks, played games and read the notes from members of the ward. It was an action packed last Sunday as President. Suddenly, I have a new perspective on my calling and lots of things I wished I would have done differently. I am sad that I won't get to spend each Sunday with the kids, but happy to pass the torch on to my mother-in-law. She will be an awesome President and leader for the kids! Dave is probably relieved that he won't have to be my sounding board for all things Primary anymore, or get the kids ready for church by himself.
My new calling is ward choir pianist. I'm excited to have the challenge of practicing and improving my piano skills. Hopefully, I can learn to get over my nerves of playing in front of people.
