Endeavor means to try hard to do or achieve something. When I think of endeavoring, I think of stretching outside my comfort zone. I like comfort. Endeavoring is difficult.
What I believed to be the scariest church calling has always been to teach the adult Sunday School class. I grew up in Rexburg, Every ward had a religion teacher from the college. The religion teacher taught the adults because that is what they did and they had the knowledge for it. These teachers also have great personal stories to go along with each lesson. They could liken things in their lives to the characters in the scriptures. I felt very safe from this calling because God knows I know nothing about the scriptures. I have no stories.
I was called to be the organist and the adult Sunday School teacher on the same day. The organ I can do (reluctantly), but teaching adults? No way! I shared my reluctance and reasons for why they had the wrong person. None of my arguments did anything to sway their reasons for calling me. So, it was a done deal. I was terrified.
There was only one way to approach this, so I jumped in. I began studying. I read and searched, then searched and read. Speaking in front of people is nerve-wracking so I wrote out word for word the lesson I would present. I color coded what I would say and what I wanted participants to say. Then I wrote it again and one more time for good measure. And, the first lesson came and it went and all was well. It wasn't horrible. I could do it. In fact, I really enjoy it. I think I'm even good at it.
Here is why I feel I am qualified for this endeavor. First, I teach. I have experience. Sure, not with adults, but young kiddos and I have always gotten along really well. Second, I don't know anything. That means I really have to study and learn. I put in a lot of time preparing because I have to. That is good for me. If I knew it all, maybe I wouldn't be humble enough to learn what I need to from each lesson. Third, I really have to rely on the Spirit to guide me while preparing and while teaching. Yes, I still write out my lessons word for word, but sometimes the lesson doesn't go exactly as I planned, and because of spiritual guidance, it is better. Each month, the endeavor gets lets difficult, but I still get to stretch.
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