Church Callings

I'm part of a committee at my church that is responsible for monthly activities for all the women ages 18 and older. I've only been part of this committee for a little while, but, recently, I was assigned to be in charge of advertising the activities. For this last month's activity, I spent quite a while making the announcements and making sure it got into all advertising outlets so every woman in the ward (I'm LDS, so the term "ward" just means congregation group) would know about it. When the day for the activity came, everything was set up with the hard work of other committee members and only two women from the ward showed up (including one women who we asked to be in charge of teaching a class). Two women!

All of the women in this committee worked so hard to make sure this event went off without a snap and only two women showed up? To my own self, it was devastating because I felt responsible since I am in charge of advertising. But talking with the other women in the activity, they felt the same. Mind you, we all understand that we can't control who shows up to our activities. But after putting so much effort into doing something meant for others, it kind of saddening when only two women showed up.

While this experience was difficult in some ways, it did make me realize that I have way too often been one of the ladies who didn't show up to these activities in the past (when I wasn't a part of the activity committte). I have way too often taken for granted all the hard work other people in my shoes have done. And that stops now.

I need to start supporting others' efforts. I think back to the times in my life when I have receive support for my efforts and it made all the difficult moments during those times worth it. If I need that support, everyone else does as well. So a new goal I have is to find ways to support and cheer on others. It could be big or small, but it is needed.

In all, this lesson has taught me one big thing: I am infinitely thankful for people who have supported my life's efforts.