Listen to the Still Small Voice; Listen, Listen!

As I was gathering my things for church yesterday morning, I included the Seminary Kickoff bag that had my "lesson" tucked inside. I was thinking maybe I'd run into someone who might not make it to the meeting later that night.

When I got to Relief Society I was so excited, thinking "Finally! I can sit through a lesson and be taught and enjoy the meeting in its entirety" and "Well, Sis F- will be leaving to go teach singing, soon." The first counselor in the Relief Society (RS) presidency stood up to open the meeting (after looking around frantically to see where the other RS presidency members were) and she was a little surprised that she was a one-woman show. She got started and then realized, in front of all of us, that there was no teacher. NO TEACHER! How often does that happen in RS??? "We'll have a practice hymn, and then we'll see what we do about a lesson" is how she concluded for the moment.

She sat down and the new RS Secretary (as of a few hours previous), popped out of her seat and came up, offering to help teach something. Another sister came over and offered a Conference Report Ensign. I sat there a moment, thinking... is it covered? and then walked forward and whispered to the counselor that I had a lesson all ready for Seminary Kickoff about President Thomas S. Monson, and would she like me to teach that for RS?

I was impressed, as she was, by the offers of so many women to help and step in at (literally!) a moment's notice! I was grateful that I'd listened to the Spirit and had prepared my lesson and packed it with me to church-- not even considering I might teach Relief Society!

Even better was the Spirit that joined us in that Relief Society room. The sisters participated, gave thoughtful comments. There was laughter, and a few tears, and I really think some people were edified. I know that it was partly my preparation, but it was mostly the Spirit of the Lord that taught that day. I know- because I taught the same lesson later that night, and it didn't quite have the same impact and presence (although the Seminary discussion went well).

I know that teaching Seminary is going to be a mixed bag. I was praying this summer about assistance with making daily scripture study part of my life. I don't know why it's so hard for me to do that, but it seems it's almost impossible for me to reach for my scriptures and study, let alone read! I was also begging the Lord for help (or release) from my then current calling, Ward Employment Specialist. I cannot think of a calling in the church more frustrating or depressing than trying to help people find a job (I never got to taste the reward part- not one person found a job with my assistance while I was in the calling). I'm almost laughing at the answer to my prayer! Yup, teaching Seminary will definitely fulfill those two requests in spades. Yes, even in my prayers, I think I also asked for help about having a better sleep schedule.

And so, I will be diving in the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History this school year. I just hope and pray that I'll have a few more lessons like the one I taught in Relief Society today- one where the Spirit is present; we're all edified and touched; everyone participates. And, of course, I hope that the testimonies of the students are strengthened and help them face the daily difficulties they experience at school and in life.