Bittersweet!

For the last three years I have served as the Relief Society President in my ward. Last week, I got released and it comes with bittersweet feelings. I wanted to remember some of my thoughts and feelings so I could reflect back on this amazing and yet so difficult experience. As the RS pres. there are obviously things that you don't and can't always share so I don't talk about it much...but now that I'm not I thought I would divulge all....haha..just kidding! No, I just wanted to remember how scared I was at the beginning and never thought that I could possibly handle such a huge calling...and let me just clarify for those that have never experienced it or remind those that have...it is a big calling. It definitely had it's ups and down, and I will not ever claim that I was perfect or did everything that I always needed to, but somehow I made it through. That is how I mostly feel now...RELIEF! There were always challenges, demands, and sacrifices, but with all that came many blessings.
In fact...I still have a daily reminder of one the sacrifices. This is kind of a gross picture of my toe, but one time when we had a funeral, I was taking funeral potatoes that people had dropped off at my house to the church. When I opened the van door, a pan came flying out and landed right on my toe. I kind of half caught it with my hand and toe....but all I could think was "NOOOOO...not the potatoes!" Luckily the potatoes were saved, but this was like 4 months ago and my toe still looks like this:


Anyways, despite the sacrifices, there are many blessings received when serving the Lord. I feel I've grown so much and learned so much about myself. I know that when going through trials you don't always see the blessings, but looking back I am so thankful for such a chance to serve and all the experiences I had...good and bad. I will miss visiting ward members, knowing who everybody is, having opportunites to help others, knowing what's going on in the ward, feeling needed, and planning activities. On the other hand.....those are probably all of the same things that I won't miss!! It really is an eye opening experience I wish everyone could have.

Anyways, life goes on, new callings come (like activities committee chair), and daily life will still be busy keeping up with 3 kids. I already am am making lists of all the projects in my house that have been put on the back burner the last 3 years! Thanks to all of my family, friends, and ward members who have supported me. I am grateful to know such love!