Don Osmond: In my opinion…

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.

Speaking in church is never easy, and just about everyone has a fear of public speaking. If I’m not mistaken, glossophobia out ranks necrophobia (or the fear of dying). And as the joke goes… “When attending a funeral, a majority of the people would prefer to be in the casket rather than giving the eulogy.”

Well, I spoke in church last Sunday.

Two weeks before my pulpit pontification, I was corned near the bishop’s office by one of his counselors: “Brother Osmond, you’ve been on our radar for the past month, and we would still like you to give a talk in church.”

(Blogger’s note: I dodged the last time they asked me to speak because I was out of town.)

Unfortunately, I would not be getting out of this a second time. Yep, my phone confirmed the openness of my schedule; the Duck Beach extravaganza would come to a close just in time.

So, I responded to his request: “I’d be happy to speak in church. What is the topic?”

“We’d like to you to speak on sacrifice. You’ll be the only one covering that topic, and the concluding speaker. Prepare for something around five to seven minutes.”

Anyone who has spoken in church before knows the concluding speaker is the buffer, or accordion speaker. It’s his or her responsibility to end the meeting on time. If the first speakers are long-winded, keep it short; if they’re brief, vice versa.

In short, the meeting went well. Katie shared a beautifully prepared talk on fasting and prayer, and I stumbled through mine without making a complete fool out of myself.

But this post isn’t my talk — no. What I find interesting is the whole Mormon singles-ward sacrament experience.

It’s true; sacrament meeting is a great time to be spiritually edified. However, I’m a little concerned why some people feel it necessary to consider their speaking opportunities more like a bidding platform to garner potential dates.

People tell stupid jokes, they share overly personal experiences. There have been times when I’ve literally put my head down, bit my tongue and prayed for the meeting to end.

Look, I’m 29 years old; I’ve been to too many singles wards. And, all you “singles” out there know what I’m talking about.

There is a time and a place for the meat-market spectacle — church worship services ain’t it. It’s distracting, and almost as bad as public displays of affection in the pews.

Church activities: now that’s a different situation. Ward parties, BBQs, mingles … work it! It’s summer time, and parties in the park are the perfect opportunity for you to round up your friends and go on the hunt.

Let’s just leave sacrament meeting for spiritual edification, shall we?

Mother’s Day was no more than a week ago, a great time to gather and celebrate our mothers. And for good reason, you wouldn’t be here without her. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ll soon be honoring them.

But, what about the family members you think of often (are even grateful for), but rarely get the opportunity to see? You know what I’m talking about. You never call; you never write. They’re probably wondering if you are even alive.

Well after doing a little Web surfing along the Google wave, I found out there is a day set aside for the family members we often forget. Today is Visit Your Relatives Day (a.k.a. The Often-Remembered-Seldom-Seen Relative’s Day).

Who would have thought there is an actual date for the members of our families we often think of, but rarely take the time to visit?

It happens to the best of us. We love our families, but we get so caught up in climbing corporate ladders, hoping to make the next big deal, knowing that one day our boss will see how important we are; we forget about those around us who already recognize our importance.

We end up not staying in touch for months — or even years — because of our busyness. Of course if you have a large family, taking time to visit each one of them will keep you busy for months.

I’m grateful that my family (even though there are a million Osmonds) does a pretty good job at attending weddings and Mormon mission homecomings. Although I’m sure we could be better.

So, today is set aside to visit your relatives, but getting in touch with everyone could be a Herculean task. Believe me, I’ve got way too many in my family to even think about attempting it.

Don’t worry about it. My thought is, try to contact the ones you haven’t seen for a while, or even someone you may need to get reacquainted with.

I’ve moved around a lot for the better part of my life. My travels have put me in Canada, England, both coast of the United States, as well as a few places in between. And, if there is one thing I’ve learned in my short 30 years, your family is always there for you: immediate or extended.

Think about the longest friendship you’ve ever had. Chances are that doesn’t even come close to how long you and your brother or sister have known each other.

There is a strong bond that exists within a family. That old saying, “blood is thicker than water” is so true. Even the word family can stir a myriad of emotions: the great, the good and the not-so-good.

Your family has been there through thick and thin: the best of times, and the worst of times. They know you so well, they know exactly what buttons to press to make you laugh or cry.

Because of this, it’s true there are times when you get frustrated or disappointed with each other. But, the bottom line is family relationships are strong and lasting.

That is one of the greatest blessings about a family; familial ties are everlasting. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that the family is central to our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. Families are centered on love, togetherness and respect.

If you haven’t done so in a while, take a look at your family tree. You’ll notice a long line of people who loved each other.

So, if someone has come to mind in the last five minutes, you may want to consider stopping by for a visit, or making a phone call. However, if you haven’t seen him or her for a while, may I suggest the phone call? They might get a little surprised if you stop by unexpectedly.