Self-esteem breakthrough

Ok, not really a breakthrough because it isn't new information. At least for me. But I USED the information, and THAT is a breakthrough.

Here's what the Lord provides me with to counter the self-esteem crusher...

Service.

Yep, I went and did some. And it wasn't even the "other people's troubles are worse than your own, get some perspective" stuff. ANY service works. Personally, I served in my calling. I am Stake (yep, STAKE) Primary Music Leader, and I went to a board meeting and sanded strips of wood that are going to become bows (as in Nephi's bow) for our Stake Primary Activity Day this month.

So, let's talk about STAKE. No Buffy included. When I was called this year, it was a total shock-and-awe reaction. Seriously? Do I seem that old? Let me clarify: by "old" I mean mature and responsible. Turns out, NOT REQUIREMENTS. However, I am the only one with kids at home, and the closest one in age to me is my friend's mom. She was only a year ahead of me in school (the friend, not her mom). I used to spend the night at her house.

As it turns out, I'm as odd-seeming to them as I am to me. Not that they treat me differently (aside from considering my babysitting requirements when planning a meeting); but I can tell that they notice I act differently. They say things like, "She's young. She has lots of energy." I say things like, "Dude, you are seriously rocking this stake thing!"

The great thing about this upcoming activity day is that I will once again get to function in the GREATEST CALLING EVER! I will get to do singing time with the kids. I am so excited that I am trying to cram as much stuff as I can into the mere 5 minutes I am given. Well, it could be more than five. If any kids come early - which they do - I am the entertainment/babysitting. And, per the norm, music is always the time filler if necessary.

Ok, now is a good time to iterate that I don't think the stake is a calling promotion. I just think it is very VERY adultlike. And intimidating. And who really knows what stake people do? You never see them. They show up periodically, and people say, "The stake's here." Turns out, the stake does a ton. Very useful stuff, too. While it is weird to be so removed from the ward action, I still like it.