This one in a series of posts in which I will share some of the things I have experienced because I am a Mormon. In each of these posts, I will give you a basic background and share a small experience. I hope that through the sharing of these small things you can have a glimpse into my experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will also try to explain principles and doctrines of my faith that bring me so much happiness.
Background: Richard and I were married while we were still in college. Mormons attend church according to a map; we do not choose our congregation. It is assigned to us based on the location of our home. Our first congregation (ward) in Provo had a wonderful mixture of ages, talents, and backgrounds. We were asked to serve in the Primary organization, teaching the 9-11 year olds on Sunday. Richard taught the boys and I taught the girls. I also served as a leader for the girls for their weekday activities on Wednesday afternoons. The Primary organization is for children under the age of 12 to be taught the gospel through Sunday school lessons and group lessons that are rich in interactive activities and songs. Primary is a fun place to serve.
Pressed down, shaken together, and running over
It was 1997 and Richard and I had graduated from college and were preparing to move to Texas. For nearly two years I had taught my small group of girls each Sunday. We had traveled through the Book of Mormon and perhaps the New Testament together in our lessons. They had held newborn Paige and watched her grow old enough to crawl and try to walk. We had spent many Wednesday afternoons together, learning the names of trees and plants, baking pies, learning to sew, collecting photos for their scrapbooks, and doing many things I can no longer remember.
These girls were in my thoughts during the week as I read the scriptures to prepare lessons. My Saturday nights were devoted to these girls, making fun activities for them to experience the scriptures the next day.
I was sad to leave them, and I was surprised to learn that they had organized a goodbye party for me. One morning, Richard discovered them carrying two large cakes down the street that they had purchased for me from the Provo Bakery. They had also prepared water balloon activities on the church lawn. Never having been the popular type, I had not expected a party.
I regret that I lost touch with these girls. They would be around 25 or 26 years old now. They may not remember me and I would probably not recognize them as grown women. However, my memories of them carry extra emotion because they were the first of many Primary children I would teach and love over the years.
There were practical and spiritual blessings from teaching Primary. The notes that I took in the margins of my scriptures for lessons are still a treasure to me. I sat at the feet of an amazing chorister who modeled the way to effectively lead the music for children. My next Primary responsibility (calling) in Texas was to lead the music. I was so thankful for what Sister Uharriet taught me.
There were blessings of the heart from teaching Primary. The children didn’t know my inexperience and they accepted me. I accepted them, their little feet balancing on the fence around my yard and their silly giggles at church. Teaching in Primary gave me confidence and a serving of love that I needed.
Their sweet ways and their memorable final act of gratitude filled my heart in good measure.
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38