Called to Serve..and Support

One of my callings in our ward is to play the organ for sacrament meeting.  When I approached the organ this morning to play prelude I noticed a note sitting on the keys.  It was not signed and simply said:

Thanks for the spirit that you bring with your music.  You have no idea how much it adds.  Remember that you do make a difference.

That little note made my day.  Thank you to whoever took the time to do that small act. 
 
In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, all members take part in teaching and leading the ward (congregation).  We do not choose in what organization or position we will serve, but we do what we are asked because we believe that every call to serve comes from the Lord.  We do not choose how long we will serve in a given position.  That too, we leave up to the Lord. 
 
President Boyd K. Packer said in October 1997 General Conference:

"It is not in the proper spirit for us to decide where we will serve or where we will not. We serve where we are called. It does not matter what the calling may be."

We agree to sustain one another in our callings.  That means that we help when we are asked.  We give support in any way we can to one another.  In our families, husbands and wives can support their spouses in callings, and children can support their parents in their callings. 

My husband has a new calling that requires him to attend meetings early on Sunday mornings, before church.  That leaves me at home to get everyone else ready on my own.  I can't be late myself as I play piano for Relief Society the very first hour.  We talked to the family when Jerry got this new call, and explained how we would have new opportunities to support both Mom and Dad in their callings. 

This morning was their first chance to help out.  The boys were up earlier than usual so that they could be ready in time to be helpful instead of only getting themselves ready.  Olivia did the same.  She took the responsibility for dressing Sophia.  I got up a little earlier than usual and when all was said and done, we were actually on time for church. Our children also helped watch over one another during the first part of sacrament meeting while I was playing the organ.   I'm not expecting that every week will go as smoothly as today…that's life right?...but I was grateful for the efforts of all our children today.  I feel that it is a blessing for my children to have opportunities to offer real help and support to their Mom and Dad so that they can perform the callings that the Lord has issued them. 

When we are set apart for callings we are promised blessings that will help us to magnify our callings.  Whenever I have been set apart for a calling I always notice that I am blessed that I will be able to fulfill my calling as well as continue to take care of all the needs of my family.  I have seen this blessing in my life. 

Today was our ward Christmas program.  One of the songs we were doing had a piano accompaniment that was somewhat difficult for me.   I had hoped to have more time to practice than I actually ended up having. So far this December we've had quite a bit of illness in our house, and a Dad who's had to be out of town on business.  I've had very little time to play the piano.   I said a silent prayer this morning because I knew that I needed help to play the song.  As I played I felt such clarity in my mind and coordination in my fingers, that I knew that I was being given Heavenly help.  I have felt this kind of help before.  Sometimes our callings challenge us, but I know that with the challenge, comes the help that we need to magnify our responsibilities. 

President Ezra Taft Benson taught:

 “There can be no failure in the work of the Lord when [we] do [our] best. We are but instruments; this is the Lord’s work. This is His Church, His gospel plan. These are His children we are working with. He will not permit us to fail if we do our part. He will magnify us even beyond our own talents and abilities when necessary. This I know. I am sure many of you have experienced it as I have. It is one of the sweetest experiences that can come to a human being” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 372).