Primary

This last weekend I was released from serving as the Primary president in our ward at church.  I have been serving in primary for 5 years and as the president for three.  I am so thankful for the time I had to serve these precious little spirits of our Heavenly Father.  

 When the Bishop first asked to me agree to this assignment I felt complete dread.  I had no idea what to do with all these little people.  It only took a few minutes on my first Sunday in Primary to realize that I was in the best place I could be.  I grew to love these little people more than I ever thought possible.  Next to serving as a full time missionary this was the most rewarding opportunity I have had in church service.  I had awesome counselors and teachers and people serving with me.  It made it that much more rewarding.  I am a much better Mom now.  I am more patient and less judgemental.  People ask me if I am relieved.  I am not nor am I distraught.  I feel so much gratitude that I had this amazing opportunity.  I will truly miss so many things about primary like two week ago when a little boy gave his talk on Jesus and the ten leopards.  Or when last Sunday as I was talking about some of the characteristics of God and a little boy said "He is just like Santa".  I mean who wouldn't want to be in primary.  It is so entertaining.

I also learned a few little lessons over the last few years...

First...children are sponges.  They want to be taught and they will believe whatever you tell them.  So make sure you take every opportunity you can to teach and make sure everything you say is something you want them to hear.

second...Our testimonies grow the most when we focus on the basics of the gospel.  It is no coincidence that my testimony has grown the most while serving as a full time missionary and as the Primary president.  Both of these have been times when I have focused mostly on the simple principles of the gospel.

third...Primary teachers are superheroes.

fourth...Primary music is my favorite.  It is powerful.

fifth...I have always loved that the Savior spent so much time with the children.  He loved them and He blessed them.  We read many times in the scriptures that the Savior called the little children to "Come unto Me"  I believe that He did this because he felt strength from the children.  I believe that He felt peace when He was with the children.

Over the last five years I have loved more than 100 children and they have shown love to me.  I am truly humbled.  I am also so thankful that my three little ones were there with me.  I love them.  I am so grateful to be a Mom.