I can’t talk about camping. It’s too horrible, must be saved for the paper.
It’s Sunday night and frankly, I feel kind of like the desert after a tsunami. What is it about missing a week or two of church that throws me completely for a loop? Not only have I been out of town and at a different ward since July, but with last week’s temple dedication (which I missed) and traveling the week before, I actually forgot what time our meeting was at this morning.
I will add, just for my own personal benefit (and so I don’t sound like a crotchety old heathen) that we do read scriptures and pray every day. But there’s a reason the Lord suggests a little supplemental spiritual infusion.
I find that when I’m sufficiently starved for some good outside insight, getting hit with it kind of knocks my panyhose off. That’s how I felt today. I cried in Relief Society. I cried in Sunday School. I cried when the neighbor told me we have a colony of rats living in the rocks in our backyard.
(Actually, Jason had to take me out to the car so I could have a full-blown rat-induced panic attack. That’s right, ten minutes of high-pitched crying and hyperventilating, and multiple threats that I would never go home again. Only after my rat-killing darling promised bushels of de-con, an exterminator, and a couple of cats was I able to calm down and pull my fingernails out of the upholstery.)
The thing is, I need church. I need it every single week. And it’s not about the social part (although I do love all the older-than-me empty-nesters in our ward), it’s the spiritual refueling I have to have. I know I should feel bad that I don’t have a calling right now. Any good Mormon woman would run to the bishop and remind him that she’s ready, willing, and has something grand to offer. And I am.
Still, today I felt kind of like the old discarded bathtub that used to sit out in the field for our horses to drink from–all dry and rusty.
Don’t worry, I think I got all the salt and sins out of me today. Man, there’s nothing like a good dose of Gospel to get your tear ducts back in working order.
Then again, you can always enjoy life without a calling and just be able to go to church and learn and enjoy and relax. Let’s be honest, how relaxing in church when you have a calling? 🙂
Now I feel even guiltier….for not having been at church for 3 weeks now…..(hanging head in guilt). I tried to go today, honestly, but I “got sick” just as I was going to curl my hair. It’s been a stressful week…..darn it!
I feel the same way! If I miss church it throws my whole week. And I would have post a for sale sign regarding the rats! Can’t wait to read about campling!
I agree with Barbara, relax, don’t worry about a calling, it will come. Since I’ve been in my ward the longest stretch I’ve been able to attend Relief Society is 6 months, the rest has been in primary. I love primary!! But I would LOVE to be able to attend RS. And who says you’re not serving? I think daily scripture study and praying with your children will do more good than serving on the ward activities committee ever could!!
Yes, I am of the camp that it’s a nice little break to not have a calling for a bit. Although, I totally admit that I do start to feel a little guilty after too long of being calling-less.
And rats? Yikes! I hope you never have to actually see one!
We have a made up calling that I haven’t been able to do all summer with my schedule, and no one even seemed to care. Sigh.
Life is not the same without church, it just doesn’t feel right to me. If you really would love a calling please move to our ward. My husband would have you signed up in no time. It is his dream to have someone ask for a calling, to have someone really willing to do whatever. Our ward is lovely, but there are so many that turn callings down (I know this from being on presidencies) it makes it hard on others.
No, rats aren’t as cute as Pixar pretends they are–no matter how good they cook. And I still haven’t forgiven them for the plague.
The spiritual refueling thing, I get. I need more of that for me–not for the socialization either.
What? No calling? Must not be in our ward or you’d have 3!
Yeah, last week while I was hauling Primary supplies out of our closet, a new lady in “the other” ward asked me about the R.S. tablecloth? (Do the wards share it? Where is it kept? What does it look like?) I looked at her and said, “I’ve lived here 8 years, and I’ve never been to Relief Society.”
8 years of either YW or Primary Pres. I would just like to sit for 10 straight minutes at church. I can’t imagine sitting still long enough that I could actually listen and be moved enough to cry.
I think I’m due for some serious refueling. But I keep thinking of all those blessings I’m racking up… hmm… I wonder if they’ve built the pool yet in my heavenly mansion?…
And rats? That’s just what people like to call mice. See, mice? Suddenly not so bad as RATS! Just get some big snakes in your backyard, those ratoncitos will be gone in no time. Works for us!
I don’t know you and not sure how I found your blog but I have to say… I felt the same way on Sunday. You’re not alone. My cry fest ended this morning and now I’m feeling much better. I can handle life again. Hope you’re doing better. 🙂
It’s healthy. But not TOO often.
Ahhh! What’s up with the comments closed on the first 2 entries?
I LOVED your column this week. Laughed right out loud for no one but my 3 year old and “Micky Mouse Clubhouse”, to hear. My kinda woman!!! (Thank-goodness the sound machine was on or I would have woken up the baby:)
Yeah I need it EVERY week too! Though I live where you have to fly 45 minutes to get to church so I’ve been without for quite awhile. But even the little sacrament meeting me and my husband do…if we miss that…I totally notice a difference!