Monday, April 29, 2013

Primary

Yesterday I was sustained and set apart as Primary President in my ward.
This will be a great learning experience for me in my life. I have really enjoyed teaching the seven-year-old's -- it's been a new experience and a fun and challenging one. But now I get to learn from all of these kids. I told the Double B I am not sure I have the patience required for this calling. It is a big primary that really struggles with reverence. He assured me I will learn the patience I need for this calling! And I guess that is true. Haha... isn't that how it always works.
I am excited to get to know these kids, their parents, and the other leaders. I have two counselors that though I don't know them well, I know they will be a great support to me and the other teachers. I was so blessed way back in the day in Young Womens with the two greatest counselors that ever lived. I am very hopeful that we will be able to build the same rapport and love together.
Here is the funny part of this story:
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whenever someone is called to fulfill a new position, their name is announced to the congregation, and the congregation is given the opportunity to sustain them and offer that person their support. Well, yesterday when the Bishop released the current primary presidency, my new counselor from her previous position, he then released me as "Karen B --". The Double B leaned over to me and asked "Did he just say Karen?" I nodded yes, but was sure he wouldn't do it again when he called me to the position.
But sure enough, he said "We would like to call Karen B -- as the new Primary President, if she'll please stand." So I stood, but wasn't sure what to do. Of course, we're sitting in the back. I can hear some people in the congregation murmur, but thinking we probably shouldn't sustain the imaginary Karen, I pulled a face at him and made an "M" with my hands. He looked at me crazy -- he thought I was making a heart at him! Awkward! So then I mouth "Marie!" He looks more confused. Finally, someone hisses "It's MARIE!" So he starts to laugh and asks "Where did I get Karen from?" There's a pause, the congregation looking back and forth between us, and so I say "I don't know, but she sounds nice!" -- STANDING IN THE BACK OF THE CHAPEL -- and the rest of the congregation laughs as he announces my two counselors, we are sustained by the congregation, and we sit down. Of course, I then obsess through the sacrament if that was so inappropriate for me to say that. LDS Sacrament Meetings are, by nature, very quiet and reverent, and there I am, making remarks in the back. I asked the Double B twice if I was totally inappropriate, but he did his version of the eye roll at me. Finally, since it was the Sacrament and all, I just told the Lord I was sorry if I'd displeased him, because I totally didn't mean to, I just didn't know what to do in that situation. I think we're okay. The good news is, in my experience I get terribly nauseous before these things... before my name is announced. Yesterday was no exception. As they were releasing the former presidency, I felt so, so sick and uncomfortable, but by the time that all went down, I sat down and just had the giggles!
Ah. Life. So funny.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, you'll do great!

-Sista Richins

Tara said...

That's awesome Karen..I mean Marie! You will be an amazing primary president. I feel your concern for patience. We have a relatively small primary but they are exceptionally challenged with an inability to stay reverent. Good luck.

Melissa said...

Congrats! You will be amazing!

Anonymous said...

I know you will be totally awesome. From one prez to another.

Diana Dutton

Elise said...

The thing is, you kinda seem like a Karen.

Ha ha.

I LOVE this story!

You also seem like president material. I'm never sure if I should congratulate or offer condolences in this circumstance. We need to come up with an appropriate response to this situation.

Good luck!

That seems about right.

I think you'll do great. :)

Deepfryer said...

go rie go. thinking you will be RS pres next. you would be so awesome. maybe i should move there just so my kids can have you as their pres.

*rOcKiN rIcHiNs* said...

I think that saying, "Karen seems nice," was nothing short of Christian. I mean...really.

You are so funny!