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I was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…also known as Mormons. Our family still attends. One of the remarkable things about the church is that all local leadership is volunteer.
With everyone from the bishop (pastor) down to the nursery workers volunteering their time and talents—and with many positions to fill—growing up Mormon means learning to contribute.
Sometimes—like right now—you are lucky enough to hold a calling (position) that you really love. Currently I'm the “Relief Society Meeting Coordinator.” Silly name, but it just means I get to lead a committee in planning all the women's socials and non-Sunday activities. It's great fun and my committee is so talented and helpful that it's really a breeze.
Sometimes—like last year—you don't love your calling. (I was in the Primary (the children's organization) teaching the music.) But you serve anyway.
Learning to serve as you're needed—rather than only as you'd like—has a powerful impact. First, you learn and grow and invariably do things you would never have done without the church. Second, you are surprised to find that you help others in ways you never knew you could.
Increasing your contribution in the world might be doing what you do best. But it also might mean doing what needs to be done way outside your comfort zone.
Ponder how you can help those around you.
What are you called to do with the gifts and time you are given?
What can you do which would make a real difference?
Join me in the 100 Day Challenge!
Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.
I did not know you were a Mormon. My neighbors are Mormons, too. Good people. I didn’t know that all the church workers were volunteer. That’s pretty surprising because I know how much community service they do. What about the service pastor or whatever. Aren’t some of them paid?