Have you ever gotten the call? You know what I’m talking about. The phone rings with an unknown number, but curiosity gets the best of you and you answer it.
The voice on the other end says, “Hello, this is President Harold from the stake.”
That’s about the time your heart sinks to the bottom of your gut. Butterflies don’t even begin to compare to the anxiety that engulfs your body. Autopilot kicks in, and you systematically go through every potential question he could ask.
Do I pay my tithing? Check.
Did I get home teaching done last month? Check.
Have I been to the temple recently? Check.
And, after you’ve mentally raced through every possible query you can think of, you realize the purpose of the call — a stake calling.
Two weeks ago, I received that call while having a little fun in Vegas (Mormon-style, of course). Following an exchange of pleasantries, the stake representative who called me said, “Brother Osmond, the stake president would like to extend a stake calling to you.”
Bewildered. I think that hardly expresses adequately the feelings that overcame me.
At first blush, I thought this was some sort of funny prank and I was getting punked. I knew — without a shadow of doubt — the stake can’t give me a calling; I’ve only been the ward activities co-chair for three months.
Apparently, that’s not the case. If the stake needs you, they call you. And, my stake doesn’t waste any time getting callings filled.
The following Sunday, I was released from activities, called in as the new FHE “Grandaddy” (stake family home evening co-chair), and running my first stake FHE meeting.
Talk about a whirlwind weekend. Honestly, I would have felt more comfortable in a dark forest without a map or with a compass that doesn’t point north.
However, the amazing thing about a calling is even though the task seems impossible, all that is required is a willingness to try. Miraculously, the ability required to fulfill the calling (regardless of capacity) is provided when you just put forth even the smallest amount of effort — even if it’s only a desire to do your best. I suppose that’s the blessing of service.
Of course, in contrast, the other moral of the story is to do a better job screening your calls; something might be at stake.