I wasn't aware until a couple of weeks ago that I have truly found my place. I was in the primary for 8 years before moving on to the young womans program. It was a strange transition for me, I had been so use to hanging out with 5-8 yr olds, but I was excited for the opportunity. I remembering being so terrified the first time I taught them, and as I figured out, for all the wrong reasons. It wasn't much different from the younger kids except the questions they would ask. I quickly learned that along with my normal prep I had to be ready for the questions that were bound to come my way. My girls were thinkers.
I'm not sure what's happened in the last few months, perhaps the girls trust me more or I'm beginning to realize I've found my place, but my class time could not be going better. It seems each lesson the spirit is there and I can tell the girls are getting it, that they care and want to know. Yesterday was no exception.
We got to class late because we're learning a song for New Beginnings so I felt I had to rush through my lesson, but I just kept feeling I should let the lesson take it's course. It was on gifts of the spirit and to tell you the truth I didn't imagine I would get very many questions. The leader that is over me was in the class and she gave an example of the power of faith. Her newborn was having heart problems and she knew without a doubt that if her father could give her child a blessing all would be ok and sure enough it was. Her son is now on a mission. I was glad she shared her story and then I moved on. I could see in front of me one of the younger girls in my class struggling and then finally she raised her hand. I quickly finished my thought and than called on her. After hearing the story of the leader's son she became very confused as to why her faith wasn't strong enough to save a cousin who was born with problems. Her family had fasted and prayed, given blessings, but in the end the baby didn't make it. She wanted to know, "why wasn't my faith strong enough?". I was caught off guard and as the girls was asking she started to cry. I of course was touch by her question because I have certainly been there before wondering why my faith wasn't strong enough. It's an amazing thing what happens when the spirit is in the classroom. Suddenly my mind was flooded with being that age, going through tragedy, feeling of helplessness and anger. I was also reminded of the RS lesson that I read last week thanks to so many of you who spoke about on your blogs. With all that information rushing to my mind in seconds I was able to give her a meaningful response that I felt she would be able to take with her.
When I walked out of the classroom yesterday I was shown again that things do happen for a reason in our life. That perhaps the experiences that I've had, good or bad, can be used to help others through their journey. I never would have thought my heartache or confusion I felt years ago would help someone overcome one of their struggles today. Life is beautiful. What a gift we have been given to be able to touch each other for good. To help each other along the way and take part in each others life. Though I know it wasn't me who taught that girl yesterday...I'm utterly grateful that I could be used, if even for a moment, bringing peace to someones life.
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16 comments:
That's the best when a teaching opportunity presents itself and you feel the Spirit guide you. As I read the girl's question, my first thought was about the RS lesson last week too. I'm sure the lesson was exactly what she needed right then in her life.
It's an amazing feeling when that happens. Just from reading your blog, I imagine you are an amazing YW teacher. My new calling is Mia Maid advisor, first lesson was yesterday, but I didn't love the outcome, so I hope I can grow into it also...
What a great experience. The prophets and leaders tell us to "be prepared" for so many reasons. What a testimony of listening to the spirit. I loved my yw calling and often miss it. Thanks for sharing your story.
what a great place to be amy, feeling like your life experiences can help others and feeling comfortable sharing those parts of you... i can imagine how much those girls look up to you and what a great teacher you are to them.
You are so amazing. That is so great that your experience could help someone else. I have had a few of these moments lately and it makes me grateful for all I have learned in life, whether through good times or difficult times.
Obviously, she needed to hear your words and I am sure that you were guided in what you should say. I think it's an amazing feeling to know that you are doing the Lord's work. That is wonderful that you are feeling comfortable and happy in your place.
Our Relief Socaiety President's mission is to have each of the women in our ward spiritaully prepared. When I first heard that goal, I immediately associated it with being prepared for troubling times. Thanks for giving a non-scary interpretation of being spiritually prepared.
So touching, this particular experience - you were prepared in so many ways to be there - and the sweetness of finding your nook. And taking the time to recognize that, to feel that it fits just right, to spend some time reveling in what we are all chasing - the "place" of ours where we feel comfort and steady feet.
I just left the miamaids for the ctr7's. This story makes me miss them so much! TFS! I'm so glad that you could be there for her. I'm sure that you brought more peace to her than you'll know.
TFS!
I still miss the YW and it has been over a year. They will learn so much from you and definitely you from them. I love the tender teaching moments you talk about here, the girls never forget them!
What a great experience for both you and the girl in your class (and most likely the rest of the girls as well).
I had a Humanities professor at BYU once who said she'd gone through lots of terrible struggles in her life (divorce, death of a loved one, finances, etc.) and that she didn't realize how beneficial those experiences were until she became a Relief Society President and had to advise all the women of her ward who were struggling with all of those things! She said she felt absolutely prepared and blessed by those hard times. I have never forgotten this and always feel thankful for my trials (after they're over of course) because they allow me to be more empathetic to others' struggles and less judgmental as well.
How wonderful to see that your previous struggles enabled you to empathize and assist this sweet young girl. What a beautiful thing.
I love that you were able to feel the spirit and teach these young girls with love and experience. It is indeed full circle moments like this that are amazing!
What a brave little soul to ask such a question as she was clearly puzzled. We have had a few of those in our home with our own chidren as we have had some trials of faith and prayer. I agree, you have to "be prepared" and hope that through our own individual experiences and trials that we learn something from them. Come out stronger and can pass that love and compassion on to someone else. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your experience Amy! I think that teaching by the spirit is SO hard, but it is also the most wonderful experience! My favorite part of your experience was that you pulled information you had read on the blogs and other lessons to find a meaningful answer because it reminds me that I need to be studying and reading all the time so the spirit can help me know and remember! Thank you!
This was really a beautiful post. It made me think of Esther 4:14 "and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Sometimes I truly think we are *the one* person who can be that instrument through our experiences and our harmony with the Spirit. I think it says a lot about you that this girl was comfortable enough to ask this tough question, and that you were prepared to give her an answer. Thanks for sharing this.
I am a believer that things happen for a reason. I think we were on the same page with the same tragic experience. Did you know that my mom had a boyfriend that was killed in Vietnam? Because of the heartache and pain that only a yound girlfriend could experience WAS experienced by my mom, we had so much we could discuss, relate and lean on each other with. My mom and I cried together so much during that horrible time, and still do when we talk about it. I believe my mom was prepared at a young age to someday help her daughter that so desparelty needed her. Love you Amy! Thanks for sharing!
amy, how wonderful to be given added meaning to your own experience and heartache. and that you weren't afraid to use those feelings to share, uplift and teach someone else who's heart is tender at this time. no doubt it is a learning experience she will never forget.
i'm reminded of something my cousin said when we were talking about her husband's death and how it influenced my life. she said, "it makes me marvel at our Heavenly Father's plan for each of us and how our lives are perfectly intertwined together to accomplish all of his purposes for each of us." you were really a part of that happening on sunday. thanks for sharing.
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