su stain

It's funny how when you are young you think diferently about church callings.  I watched as our sweet new Bishops wife struggled with tears and emotions on Sunday and contrasted that to the first counselors wife and me as we sat non- plussed as our husbands went to sit on the stand.  Afterwards we talked about how much we needed to be there for her because she has 5 young children. All of our children are grown.  Interestingly enough however, her life is really less stressful then ours, she just doesn't know it because she is in that phase where life is so fast-paced but you still have some hope that you can control your kids, your schedule and the time you and your husband spend with each other.
As people came up to "congratulate" us after the meeting, I found myself feeling quite odd, not awed.  How do you respond when someone is basically treating you as if there is something special about you because your husband accepted a calling?
At this point in our lives, we have had quite a few callings, in quite a few different capacities.  We understand more now, then ever the concept of "Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies".  This quote from a prophet has profound meaning, and I find it almost hysterically funny when unknowing but well meaning people are sad when they didn't get called, or feel like those who were called are somehow different or special.
The Lord "qualifying" you means that you might eventually be equal to the task if you allow  the master to take charge of your life.  I think it ridiculous when people assume a Bishop or other church leader is perfect, has perfect judgement, or has done something particularly outstanding that caused them to "get" their calling.
Okay, that said, I do appreciate the opportunity to support the Bishop and his family as he serves the people of our ward.
I love to serve, but truly, I love teaching Sunday School as much as I do being the Young women's president.  I am sure when I was young I thought it would nice to be relief Society President.  (What was I smoking?) I would be terrified now if that calling ever came, and I have to laugh at myself when I imagine the me who thought callings meant you were somehow "justified".
Whether you give me congrats or condolences, it is all the same.  Steven will serve well, and I will certainly try.  Next time someone is put into a leadership position, the right thing to say just might be," I will certainly sustain you and do all I can to help you serve well."
Of course, I am the woman who says dumb things to pregnant women, that I hated to be told me when I was pregnant.  Some of us are slow learners.