Lesson 45 - Summary

Joseph Smith's Feelings About His Prophetic Mission

I apologize for not doing a lesson summary last week. I forgot to take notes until the very end, and by that time it was too late. My memory's not good enough to just recall what I heard, either. So, again, my apologies for those who missed it.

This week, I had to make some announcements to the Young Women and the sisters in Primary, so I missed most of the lesson. HOWEVER, I did take notes once I got in there, and what little I heard was fantastic. Thanks to my wonderful teacher and the ladies who have the courage to make comments and share personal experiences with the rest of us. They touched my heart.

I'm going to only focus on the last part of the lesson that I heard, so if you would like to read the entire lesson, you can click on the link above.

Apparently, when I walked in, they were discussing this question:

"What experiences have you had in which God has helped you to fulfill your responsibilities in your family or in a Church calling?"

I heard testimony after testimony of how my fellow sisters have been strengthened because of their callings. One sister spoke of how she was terrible at remembering names, but when she received a calling where she needed to do so, she was able. Another sister said that when she got called to be a temple worker, she told the Temple President that she had trouble getting around sometimes because of pains. She said, though, that once she entered the temple to serve, the pain went away so she could do the Lord's work, and as soon as she stepped out the door it was back. Yet another sister said that as a mother she feels like she can't do enough and doesn't teach her children like she should, but when they get together for Family Home Evening, her son will say something profound. When she asks him where he learned that, he says, "From you, Mom."

How blessed we are to be aided by the Lord in our weaknesses!

When I was called to be in the Relief Society Presidency, I felt more than inadequate. I'm only 25 years old (24 at the time), so I felt way too young to be responsible for women who were older than me and knew way more than me. I had never really been in Relief Society, so I didn't know the first thing about it. I assumed I was getting called as a counselor because the Lord thought I needed humbling. The Bishop said to me that he felt like whenever he felt good about his calling and that he was doing well, he got called to do something else. That was exactly how I felt.

I can tell you that even though I still feel under-prepared and basically stupid (for lack of better word) about what I'm doing, the Lord has helped me tremendously. Somehow, our Relief Society activities have come together because I know that HE wants them to happen. Somebody there needed it, and so He works through me to make it happen. I know that others have had similar experiences, and I would love to read them if you care to share.

I really liked one sister's comment about how sometimes we don't know why we're directed to do certain things, but God has reasons. For example, she didn't know why she was supposed to move here because she's been unable to find work, but she now feels like she's here to help her brother's family in their time of need. I wish my words could do her comments justice.

I'm sorry that I wasn't able to get more of the lesson today. I hope that what I've written will help those who were unable to attend Relief Society. Feel free to leave comments about anything I've written.