Sunday, June 13, 2010

Apparently, That will do it.

I have complained a lot about being the activity days leader in our ward. After all, I was teaching very disrespectful girls. 8 of them to be exact, after the split last month. Then, during one activity they were so careless that I got so angry I broke down and cried right in front of them. Not one of my best moments. I told Randy about the situation and specific problem girls. I was a wife confiding in my husband, not a chagrined leader complaining to the bishopric counselor (Who happens to be over the primary). Next thing I know, I am released from this calling. But I will have you know, I was more than willing to work through the issues we were dealing with and get the parents involved that needed to be.
Alright, so now I have more issues to deal with. I have TWO new callings. I am a relief society teacher and I am on the enrichment committee. If you know me well, you know that teaching relief society is one of the scariest things I could do. I am terrified actually. I used to go home from church shaking and Randy would ask "Did you make a comment in Relief Society?" and I would say "No, but I thought about making a comment." Thus the shaking. You get the idea. It is scary for me. I was really nervous about teaching sunbeams for goodness sake and those are relatively easy lessons and nobody is paying attention to you. This is going to be difficult for sure. Pray for me, I am going to need it. I have to teach next Sunday on the Atonement. Yikes. I am freaking out!

P.S. If you are reading this and you are, in fact, a teacher. I would ask that you be considerate of children or adults who do not want to participate during a lesson. Please don't call on them thinking it is good for them to "get out of their shell" or whatever. It makes them never want to come back or try and get out of going where possible. Ask for volunteers. If you don't have any volunteers, call on someone you know doesn't mind being put on the spot. Some of them are really scared like me. They will come around eventually if they become more comfortable. but if you push them, I guarantee it will be pushing them away. I know from experience. It isn't funny.

10 comments:

Amber said...

Well, one solution is obvious here--never talk to Randy again--problem solved.
Just kidding, just kidding. Since he's not over RS, now you can complain to him all you want and it won't get you released!
You can do it. RS isn't as hard as you think it will be. First of all, we're on gospel essentials which is much easier to teach than Joseph Smith :) Some people actually read the lessons and some people always have lots to say. And the lessons are great. AND--if you happen to end early once--you'll be a hero. Anyway. We'll be praying for you. Way to go for accepting something that you knew would be challenging.

Lindsey said...

I taught RS when we first moved into our ward and it has become over the years one of my favorite callings. I would get nervous to do sharing time in primary even. The thing that is so great about RS is that everyone comments and you can simply ask a few leading questions and your lesson time is over. You can talk or not talk as much as you want. Don't be nervous, even though I know you still will be. Everyone is there to support you and each other. This may be the catalyst to you getting over your public speaking-maybe? And just remember to pray for help and you'll have it. Good luck even though I know you won't need it. :)

meredith said...

you'll do great. If you teach out of the book than the book gives you some ideas and Nessa does that in our ward as well. I'm the TFOT teacher so it's more like giving an interactive talk.
Also, let people know that you're scared the first few times you teach and they will be really kind and supportive. Bring a treat and they will love you. And, I always let them know if the listen is on the short side. That way, they know if they don't want to offer any comments then you'll be sitting around atring at each other in the end :)

Jane said...

Congratulations Heather! I know this will be scary for you because you and I are a lot alike. I have been an RS teacher a couple of times and I never got over being nervous. But, it does get better the more you do it. I would suggest assigning people ahead of time to take a portion of the lesson for you to begin with. You will be less nervous knowing you won't have to teach the whole time. I like it when teachers use object lessons and a lot of stories to make a point. Good luck!!! You will do great.

Ali said...

Wow. I was very surprise to hear you accepted the calling. I know you will be great, but that is going to be challenging for you. Mom has a good idea to assign people parts ahead of time. You'll do awesome. Good luck.

H. Wimmer said...

You can do it!! The first time I was giving a teaching calling a lesson was in College and it was Sunday School and I was scared to death!! I was 19 years old teaching return missionaries about the Book of Morman. I was so scared the first week I totally forgot to have an opening and closing prayer. But I would prayer before I studied each lesson and pray right before I gave the lesson and after while it got a little easier! I still get EXTREMELY nervous when I teach adults!

You will do great!!!

I maybe a Bremner and we love to talk but I get so nervous whenever anyone calls on my in Relief Society and I shake from head to toes after I make a comment. You will do great!!

Joan said...

Heather, you'll do great. A word of warning, however -- the more you stress about it the worse it will be. Try to relax and go into it thinking positively. I would suggest that Randy give you a blessing before your first lesson. That should help calm you down considerably. I remember the night before my first time to teach R.S. I had a dream that I showed up in my pajamas and I was mortified. Thank goodness that never happened. You can also rest assured that those in the classroom will be much happier knowing that you will be doing the teaching than if they were doing it themselves so you should be welcomed with open arms. After all, what's the worse that can happen...that they'll release you?

katester said...

That was my first calling in college and I was scared to death of it. It turned out to be really fun. I really prepared for my lessons though so I was comfortable delivering it. I think it is the best calling you could have right now. It just might help you conquer your fear. Isn't that was devine callings are all about? Still trying to figure out why I have been in the primary for 8 years. ha! totally kidding, love it.

Sara said...

Good luck Heather!

I'm totally the same way about comments! I think it is easier to teach -- because I have it all planned out and practiced. But a comment -- I could screw that up so easily by bumbling and saying the wrong words.

You'll do great. And everyone will be cheering you on for sure!

dave, catie, and baby b. said...

teaching/public speaking scares the heck out of me too but every time...and i mean every time i have the "opportunity" to do it, i love it...

i think you'll do great...truly.

and enrichment? awesome!