"Called to serve"

I am very thankful for the opportunity I had to serve for 5 years as the Arcadia Stake Relief Society President.  I confess that when I was called, I was a little over-whelmed.  I was a ward R.S. President and felt that I had hit my stride, that I knew what I was doing.  Now I'd have to start all over and learn a new job!!

When I was called, I kept hemming and hawing and saying, "I don't know what to say."  My sweet husband chimed in with , "Yes is always a good place to start!"

It turned out to be the best job ever!!  And a lot of that was due to the wonderful women I got to serve with.  Brenda was soon called as a ward R.S. President, then they took Amy for a ward assignment.  But Yukari was a great member of the team, and it was truly a blessing to have Trina on board.  Elizabeth and I were the only originals - and that was a special experience.  I don't necessarily miss the job, but I do miss my regular association with some pretty great women.

Yes is indeed a good place to start - it leads to blessings you didn't even know you wanted to receive!

All good things come to an end!

I have had the great privilege of serving as the Arcadia Stake Relief Society President for the last 5 years. Today in Stake Conference, I was released. I had known about the release for a couple of weeks, but it became official today - and I could finally talk about it!

Here we are 5 years ago - the original presidency. First Brenda left to become the Relief Society President in her ward. Then Amy was released and became the Primary President in her ward.

Yukari was the new secretary, and Trina took over Amy's job. Elizabeth and I were the last two holdouts from the original gang of 4!!

I should have gathered them all up today for a final shot - but I was not that organized!! Suffice it to say that it has been a wonderful blessing in my life to enjoy a regular association with these women - and that is what I will miss the most.

President Magnusson once commented that when you accept a calling, you accept the notion that there will be a release. I understand that concept. I have had a few weeks to ponder, and I can report that I feel good about my efforts. I'm sure I could have done some things better, but I have no regrets. I raised my hand high to sustain the new president. The mantle has been removed, and that is as it should be.

School is starting, our house is in disarray from the recent "flooding" we experienced - and no one is sure how long it will take to get things back in shape, there are aprons to be sewn, grandchildren to host for sleepovers, letters to write, blogs to post, aging mothers to care for, and books to read.

And tomorrow is Monday!