From YA Weekly
Finding Joy in My Time-Consuming Calling: 3 Traits I Needed to Learn
Christ helped me find true joy in serving.
During a demanding time of my life, I was called to be the Relief Society president in my ward. I felt intimidated and inadequate, but I tried to be optimistic as I began serving.
Not long after I was set apart, despair and dread overtook me. I knew I needed the Savior’s help. I prayed often, asking Heavenly Father for direction.
One day, I was talking to a friend of mine, and when I told her about my calling, she looked thrilled. “That was the best calling I have ever had!” she said. “I learned so much.”
I was so confused by her reaction and wondered why I didn’t feel the same way about my assignment.
I wanted to feel better about the calling and learn to love it, so I prayed to feel “more joy in his service.” I received a prompting to further develop three Christlike attributes.
Faith
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” The times I struggled most in my calling were always when I doubted God’s power. Over time, I watched Him perform miracles for me and others.
For example, when I got a text from a sister telling me she couldn’t attend an event because of some family issues, I felt prompted to go visit her.
She told me the traumatic, heartbreaking challenges her family was going through. I had no idea what to say—I had never encountered similar issues in my own life. I prayed as we talked, and the Spirit inspired me with comforting words to share with her.
We can accomplish what’s required of us through God’s power. “If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful” (Doctrine and Covenants 136:29). When I gave my trust and faith to God, He returned it with support and joy.
Confidence
Confidence includes self-assurance and acceptance. “Spiritual confidence increases when you accept that ‘often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into [your life] because of what [you] are doing right,’” Elder Jörg Klebingat of the Seventy taught. God loves me enough to challenge me.
At the beginning of my service, I hesitated to share my ideas in ward council meetings. I felt like I shouldn’t be trusted with stewardship over the Relief Society.
With more time and experience, I learned that I wasn’t just a placeholder in this calling—God called me so I could learn to serve and love my ward members. I possessed unique talents that could benefit others.
As I became more confident in my capacity to receive revelation, I found it easier to help the sisters in my ward. And eventually, I realized that my insights were valuable to ward council meetings. This realization filled my heart with joy and belonging.
Submission
God didn’t give me this calling by accident. I needed to learn submission. Elder David P. Homer of the Seventy taught: “The choice to submit our will to God’s is an act of faith that lies at the heart of our discipleship. In making that choice, we discover that our agency is not diminished; rather, it is magnified and rewarded by the presence of the Holy Ghost, who brings purpose, joy, peace, and hope we can find nowhere else.”
When I aligned myself with God, other parts of my life fell into place. I found it easier to recognize the Spirit, make decisions, love my ward, find friends, strengthen my mental wellness, and so much more. Submitting my will also included delegating responsibilities to my counselors and allowing them to support and help me. Through all of this, my devotion to God grew, and my heart softened.
I was not happy when I received the calling, but I found joy in the experience. Once I accepted God’s plan for me, I didn’t feel upset or resentful anymore. Submitting brought me peace.
Magnify Your Calling
I am still learning to find joy in my calling. I’ve grown significantly, but I’m not perfect at it.
If you are called to serve in your ward or branch, act on it. “While serving is not always convenient, it is always rewarding.” Magnifying your calling will bring increased joy to your life, no matter what capacity you serve in.