I was pondering today about the different callings that I have had in my Church. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In our Church we receive callings from our Bishop, who is the head of our ward, and who also was called to do his job. We serve for a time, no specific time per se, although some callings have a general timeframe that you can kind of count on. We believe that the callings come from our Heavenly Father, and I know that as I have faithfully served in my callings, I have been blessed with inspiration not only to do my job, but in my own personal life as I have served others in the capacity that I have been asked to serve. It’s amazing how the Lord is mindful of us as a whole as well as individuals and blesses us in any and all efforts that we put forth to follow Him and help in any capacity whether it be our calling or not.
I have had many callings in different areas of my Church, working with the adult sisters in Relief Society, working with the youth through the Young Women’s program as well as through the Sunday School and Seminary programs, working with the Primary children in many capacities. All of these callings have stretched me, taught me, and helped me in so many other aspects of my life. From organizing large events, to confidence in helping in the school system through volunteering and substitute teaching, to playing the piano for school concerts, and so much more.
But there has been one calling that I have had more regularly throughout my time as an adult than any other calling. Primary Pianist. Even when I have other callings, I still have had the opportunity to play the piano for the primary children. There have been times when I have loved this calling, and times when I have really wished I could do something different. We are not required to stay in any specific calling, if we need to be released, we can ask to be, but I know how hard it is to find people to help, and primary pianist is especially difficult as not too many people play the piano to begin with, so I try to be willing to serve wherever I am needed.
Today as I thought about this opportunity over the years, I am grateful. I have grown to love the songs the Primary children sing, and the lessons they teach these kids in a fun way. They learn about who they are – Children of God, where they lived before they came here, where they are going when their time here is finished, and how to live a good life. They also learn about the beauty of this earth, and why it was created, that God loves them and is waiting to help them through good times and hard times, and that families are not only important, but central to God’s plan for us, not only in this life, but in all of eternity. Music is an interesting thing, it can bring the Spirit when it is good uplifting music, or it can drive the Spirit away leaving us feeling dark and unsettled depending on the type of music we listen to.
Today is no exception. I have the opportunity to play the piano and listen to these kids sing. I am grateful today as well, that the opportunity to play so frequently reminds me on a regular basis the importance of practicing! I love music, I love playing, but sometimes life gets busy, and I forget to practice. So, to conclude today’s blog, I will share with you several of my favorite primary songs.
Stephanie Richey Art 