During the time that Ron and I have been in Temple First Ward boundaries, I have been a teacher. I started out teaching in Gospel Doctrine as a long term substitute, then was asked to teach in Relief Society, then went to Primary for a couple of months, only to be asked to return to Relief Society. We have been in our ward for almost 5 years now and while I have loved teaching, I had started to feel as if it was time for a change.
About 2 Sunday's ago, there were several sisters that were called to work with the Cub Scouts. After sacrament meeting, I went up and expressed my delight to one particularly anxious sister. She seemed so overwhelmed and a little out of her element. I told her it has always been one of my favorite callings. (I have worked with the Cub Scouts several times.) I said to her, "It is the perfect calling! You don't have to dress up. You don't miss Sunday School or Relief Society. And, you get to do all sorts of campy, crafty things!" One of the sisters I visit teach (who also happens to be a den leader) overheard me telling the other sister how much I enjoyed the calling. She asked me if I was serious because she had been told to look for an assistant. I told her I would
love to help out.
The next Sunday, our Stake Relief Society presidency visited our ward for Sacrament meeting. Prior to the meeting, I was sitting and listening to the prelude music as I read through my lesson for the day. Sister Gleeson, our Stake RS president, sat down near me and we enjoyed a wonderful chat. During our chat, I had the strongest feeling that I was going to be called to work with her. I had felt that type of prompting before, and knew very well what it was. However, I shrugged it off thinking I was being a bit prideful. Of course, the feeling persisted through our Sunday meetings and as I taught that day, I had an even stronger feeling that it would be the last time I would be teaching in our Relief Society. When we got home from Sacrament meeting, I told Ron what had happened, and asked him to tell me that I had nothing to worry about. Being the sweet husband that he is, he did as he was asked even though we both knew he was just saying the words I wanted him to say.
The very next Sunday, I was asked by a member of the bishopric to serve as an assistant den leader. I gladly accepted the calling, thinking that this was the reason I had been feeling so strongly that a change was in store. I was set apart that afternoon and attended my first scout meeting the following Wednesday. Oddly, the feelings I had after speaking with Sister Gleeson kept returning.
Our stake conference was held this weekend. Coincidently, my daughter Leslie and I had tickets to the Time Out for Women's conference in Arlington. We knew we would be able to get back from Arlington in time for the adult session of conference, so off we went early Friday afternoon.
While we were riding to Arlington, I told Leslie about my conversation with Sister Gleeson and the feeling I had experienced. I also said, "Now that it is Friday, I figure if I was actually getting a call for a stake position, surely I would have heard from someone by now!"
Not even an hour later, Leslie and I were in a little jewelry shop when my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number, and I usually do not answer unknown numbers; but, just as I started to press the reject button, my finger paused and I answered the call. It was President Jackson, asking if Ron and I were attending the adult session of stake conference, and if it would be okay to meet with him right after the meeting. Of course, as I replied, "Yes, President Jackson; we will be there." Leslie's eyes popped wide open and she started laughing at me.
Throughout the day, we kept trying to create an alternative to the reason for the interview. Maybe it wasn't for me after all, and actually for a calling Ron was going to receive. I knew deep in my soul what the interview would consist of.
During the adult session, the focus of the talks was about personal revelation. I felt extremely humbled as I listened, reflecting on the promptings of the Spirit that had come so often during the past few weeks. Once again I had the Spirit confirm that I would receive a calling to serve as a counselor in the Stake Relief Society presidency.
After our meetings, Ron and I met with President Jackson. When he extended the call, I once again had the overwhelming confirmation that this was where I am meant to serve. I told him that I already knew it was coming, and of course, Ron said the same thing. Calmly and sweetly, President Jackson said, "I know Sister Searls, and the Lord knows as well."
So, now I begin serving in a new calling, knowing that this is where my Heavenly Father wants me to serve, feeling the confidence that comes with that knowledge. I look forward to getting to know the many wonderful sisters in our Stake and helping to further the Lord's work in this part of His Kingdom.
