First Sunday in Alabama

Craig told us last night that it would probably take 20 minutes to get to church and that we should all be prepared to leave by 9:20 for a 10:00 Sacrament meeting.  I thought he was trying to make sure we got there sufficiently early so we could meet people, which I didn't particularly want to do, so I was ready at 9:30.  That still should have gotten us there 10 minutes early except for the broken gate at the rear entry of the subdivision which required us to go all the way to the front entrance.  It's a BIG subdivision.  And the drive to church is every bit of 30 minutes with that little detour.  So, much to my husband's dismay, we walked into the building at 10:01 on our first Sunday and the only available row was right in the front.  So much for slipping in inconspicuously... :(

There's only one ward that meets in our building so we will forever meet at 10:00.  And after today, I will be forever ready to walk out the door by 9:20.  

It's a much smaller ward than the one we came from.  It's smaller than any ward I've ever been in, I think, except on vacation.  They mentioned something in Sunday School about being able to qualify for a building expansion when attendance reaches a consistent 120 per week.  I think they're at 110 right now.  

The youth meets all together for Sunday School.  There are three deacons including McKay.  Megan and Emma have tripled the Laurel class.  It's pretty different from any of our kids'  previous youth experiences.  

Pretty much everything about this ward is shockingly different than where I've ever been before.  And all I kept thinking the entire time I sat in those meetings today was that I don't think we're in Alabama for us.  This isn't going to be about me finding myself or learning about my strengths and talents.  The 20+ years since I joined the church have been for me to find those things and to secure a solid testimony based on gospel truths.  Every person I've interacted with in the past 6 wards we've lived in has taught me something about some piece of the gospel.  And sitting in that front row today right in the Bishop's line of sight, the thought occurred to me that if he asked, I would have to tell him that I can do whatever he needs me to do in this ward.  I've served in every possible ward-level capacity in the last 20 years.  Holy cow, that's overwhelming, because when you look at this tiny ward with people serving in multiple callings, there are a lot of things that need to be done.  

All day today, I kept hearing this little voice in my head reminding me that I'm stronger than I think I am and that I'm more capable than I give myself credit for.  Most days I would argue with that voice, but today it made me surprisingly calm even though there is so much about this place and this day that was unfamiliar and overwhelming.  

I have absolutely no idea where our family is going to be asked to serve, but I have a feeling this place is going to keep us busy.  And I have a feeling the next 20 years are going to look a whole lot different than the previous 20 have looked.

When we understand the enabling power of the Atonement, we will be changed; we will have access to strength beyond our natural abilities, our weakness can be turned to strength, and we can know that “in the strength of the Lord” we can “do all things.” (Alma 20:4)  - David A Bednar