Sunday Musings

Today in Relief Society, our lesson was on church callings. The basis of the lesson was on three conference talks, one by Pres. Monson, one by Elder Eyring and one by Elder Uchtdorf.

During the lesson, I shared an experience I recently had with one of my present callings---playing the organ for Sacrament Meeting.

About four years ago I was asked to play the organ for Sacrament Meeting. I believe, for the most part, I was asked to do this out of default---there wasn't anyone else in our ward at the time that could play most of the hymns. So the choices were me or me.

As unqualified as I felt, I accepted and told them I would do my best. I had never played the organ before. The only thing I knew about playing the organ was something my mother in law had told me years before---that the technique for playing the organ was different from playing the piano. (When playing the organ, it is necessary to always keep one note playing at almost all times, which takes a lot more concentration.)

The piano is also much more forgiving than the organ. With a piano, you can miss a few notes or play a wrong note occassionally and it can still be okay----with the organ you hear EVERY mistake EASILY.

When I started playing the organ for Sacrament meeting, I made many mistakes that were extremely noticable to me (and I'm sure everyone else) and wished there was someone better equipped that could take over. However, I was the only alternative for a long time and so I practiced as much as I could and then just did the best I could each week and tried not to let it bother me too much.

After about 4 years, I find I make mistakes MUCH less frequently (thank goodness!) and it is a fairly stress-free church calling now.

About the time I started playing the organ, Brother G's only child (a 18-year old son) tragically passed away. Because it was caused by an accident that happened at church, it was difficult at times for Brother and Sister G. to attend church.

About 2 months ago, Brother G. came up to the organ while I was playing postlude. He told me that when I began playing the organ several years ago, it made it easier for him to come to Sacrament Meeting---because my organ playing was not perfect. Somehow, the mistakes I made in the music made it easier for him to sit through the meeting.

I was so surprised!! Who would have ever thought that the mistakes I made in my church calling made it easier for someone to attend church? When I made all those mistakes, I felt like I was distracting from the meetings and wished someone more qualified would move into the ward.

All along I thought what I had to offer was completely insufficient. How many times do we feel that way when we lack perfection in what we are doing?

What I learned was that the very things that made me uncomfortable and that I considered "mistakes" were exactly what one person in our ward needed to help them continue coming to church at a very difficult time in their lives. The Lord took what little I had to offer and made it perfect for someone else.

When the Lord asks us to do something, we don't have to have all the qualifications or be "perfect" for the job. He only asks that we be willing and He takes care of the rest.