It’s happened only rarely to me in the past, and never quite like this. I was released from my calling yesterday.
Usually I’m released because we have moved. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been released without moving and not called into another position. And this time, I asked to be released. Well, sort of.
I come from one of those families where we don’t seek callings or releases. But my father taught me long ago that there’s nothing wrong with pointing out to a priesthood leader a change in circumstances that may move him to inquire if a change is warranted.
That was the case for me. Between some family things going on and the demands of my wife’s calling, and some things our bishop had said about needing to find callings for some folks in the ward, and the fact that I actually have another calling, I felt prompted to speak to my bishop.
He was quite understanding. And he agreed to consider my situation prayerfully. And in the end, he determined it was time to release me.
I’m quite excited about the brother who will replace me. He has an energy and vigor that will do the calling good. And I’m also at peace about my stepping aside for now. I will miss the association with those with whom I served. That, for me, is always the sweetest part of a church calling. And in another season (or whenever the Lord decides He’s ready), I’ll do more again.
I had a similar experience with my last calling, though I didn't ask to be released because it was time, I asked to be released because I was just really burnt out from it and could no longer perform.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in all honesty, it feels really good to not have a calling at all right now, mainly because I'm unable to attend my current ward due to scheduling conflicts so I attend one that meets earlier. No rushing to prepare a lesson, no stressing out over getting things in place, no having to do it all myself when no one shows up to help with preparation, and no extra meetings. Sunday actually returned to being a day of rest!