4.22.2010

Tender Mercies

"I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15). ~David A. Bednar

It's been an interesting few months. Probably about 6-8 weeks ago, I started having the very distinct and strong impression that my time in our ward Primary was coming to close and that I should take it in and enjoy everything in the time I had left. I dismissed that impression because it wasn't something I wanted to even consider. But the feeling would not be dismissed. Eventually I said something to Mark about it. We happened to be eating Chinese food in a neighborhood place and we both sat there with tears running down our faces as we discussed it.

It was the following Sunday that the Bishop called me into his office to let me know that I was being released, and told me that the stake had asked for me and told us the story of the inspiration the Stake Primary President had received. He said his first response was 'absolutely not!' but then decided he needed to honor her request by praying about it. The answer he received was that she was right and it was time for me to move on. So they began the process of replacing us and our presidency, and I was called as a counselor in the Stake Primary.

What's really wonderful is that when the Bishop asked if I had any recommendations for a replacement, only one name came to me and I passed that name on to him. My counselors and secretary all came up with the same name. And when the new presidency was sustained, the new president was the person whose name was so clear to me. It made it very easy to sustain and support the changes.

But I wanted that feeling about my new calling too, and I've been praying for inspiration about it. The feelings I have had are very specific and very clear: that I need to pay attention, listen, work hard, and learn all I can. Also, that I need to love the ward primary leaders, and do everything I can to help them love their Primary children and their callings.

Last night, I was set apart by the high councilor who supervises the Stake Primary and it was truly a tender mercy for me to hear the things he said as he set me apart. They were the very impressions and feelings I've had already. He reinforced those things, reminded me that I am loved by our Heavenly Father, and that I need to seek out the one, whether it's a child or a Primary leader. He also told me that I had a job to do that no one else could do - that it was something only I could carry out. And he ended by telling me that Heavenly Father had great confidence in me and loved me.

What a gift! And now I am ready to go. I'm so thankful for that specific tender mercy in my life.

10 comments:

Nica said...

Just reading I wanted to cry that your not Primary President anymore. I am so sad, but you have done so much in the time you were there. Specially showing me Primary is fun. I was definitely not ready for a calling in primary but I knew if you really loved it, it had to be good. I love it! Thank you for your service, not only did you inspire me but you made Audre's intro to primary the best she could ever receive.

hoLLy said...

congrats on your new calling jan-you will be fabulous as always. sad your time in hill country primary had to end but i'm sure like you've said that you'll get to be in there plenty. hopefully lots of people will need subs:)

Unknown said...

What an amazing story and experience! Thank you for sharing. You're so wonderful and I'm sure you will be a blessing to your stake. Congratulations on your new calling.

Natalie Scott said...

Sigh...like you I will miss those precious little souls (especially the songs they sing!) and working with YOU so much! It was all very inspired, though, and I have felt pretty good about everything so far. Sunday may turn out to be a whole new "adjustment," though!

Christy Robertson said...

Jan... your post gave me goosebumps. Congratulations on your new calling. As I've told you before... you are so loved & such a huge remembrance to my children of their Primary days. What an example you are to all.

Carrie and Nathan said...

I love how the Lord prepares us. Love you.

Pictures said...

What a great experience for you! Those times are truly amazing and now you'll be able to touch so many more people.

Neely Fam said...

Jan you are such an inspired person. You will do great things. Just wish you were a little closer to do them. You are such a good example to a broad group of people.

-John

Darleen said...

Thanks for this post. We are also being released as a primary presidency. I'm so sad, but know it is time to move on. Congrats on your new calling. You'll be amazing!

Mia said...

Thank you for sharing such sweet thoughts. It is amazing how mindful our Heavenly Father is of each of us as individuals.