Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski
I have thought about this quite a few times. Especially when I caught wind of my last calling. But when I got in there and looked at our good bishop who dedicates so much of his time to service, I just couldn't look at him and claim that I didn't have the time. And of course, he gives me the old "I just can't think of anyone else who could do this..." guilt-trip-inducing line. Then again, I would probably resort to such tricks if I were in his shoes trying to staff a ward.
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I understand your feelings, some of these callings can really test our organizational skills. Call me a mullah, but I have never turned down a calling and don't plan to do so in the future. I hope that doesn't come across as holier than thou. Others may feel differently and I'm not going to judge. I suppose there might come a time when I will turn down a calling, but things would have to be in such a state that calling me would border on the absurd. My wife is even more of mullah (I guess she would be called a Mullette; actually The Mullette) on this than I am.
My resolution in this area stems in part from what you are saying. How can I, a person that gains from the good volunteer work of others in the ward (in particular the Bishop), turn around and say "no thanks," I think I'll let others do the heavy lifting? I don't know that that is guilt so much as it is a feeling of responsibility. I also look at my temple vows and see no other choice than to do what I can. And frankly, most church callings are geared to a relatively low IQ.
That said, I'm not always happy about serving, especially when it is extremely inconvenient or time consuming. I also try to be realistic. I'm not going to spend a lot of time feeling bad if I miss a meeting that doesn't fit my busy family or work schedule. That happens. For example, my last ward held it's Bishopric and PEC meetings on Saturday mornings, usually from 9-noon. As anyone with children understands, that's an impossible time. I went when I could (usually once a month) but didn't feel bad about missing when I was going to football or other activities. I let my Bishop know and he was cool.
These leadership callings can be tough, especially when trying to have a life outside of The Church (I was Bear Den Leader for our local non-LDS Cub Scout Pack while serving as ward clerk in my last ward). But the rewards are great. I remember my wife dreading meeting with the Bishop knowing that the Primary President calling was sitting out there (this in our small French ward and she not really a very good French speaker). But alas, the call came and she broke down in tears right there with the Bishop. She said yes and what a wonderful experience that was, something she would not trade for the world. She might not have been the best Primary President The Church has seen, but she gave it all her love and attention and grew immensely.
Which brings me back to my initial statement. If one seriously doesn't want to do a calling, then why do it? Let the Bishop or SP know and move on. After their initial shock, they might actually appreciate such honesty. Otherwise, get ready to give back some to the church from whence one derives so many benefits.
Man, this is one preachy post.
I say these things . . . . . .