I got my calling a little more than two weeks ago and have not blogged about it because I was in shock. It is not a terribly hard calling, just one I never expected. I am the Bear Den leader. For those of you who do not know what this means, myself included, I am going to work with the boys in the Bear Den in the Cub Scouts. My partner and I are in charge of planning a fun learning activity for the group and this helps them pass off a requirements.
For the last several years I have been in the Relief Society, the organization in the church that organizes and serves the women. We planned activities to strenghten sisters and families, reached out and served those in need, and helped organize meetings that allow the sisters to draw nearer to Christ. This is my interpretation, not the official church statement. Before that, I was working in Activity Days, the program that Moya now enjoys. It is for girls 8 to 12. FUN, FUN! In my most recent past, I was Activity Committee Chair (basically party planner for our whole ward) again big fun! I tell you all this so you can see I am facing change. To most clearly illustrate this point, on the Sunday they announced my calling, Nate learned over and said, "Mom, you are gonna die!"
Jason has been the person in our marriage that has spent years serving in scouts. All the way from the cubs (8-11 year old) to Boy Scouts (12 and up). I think the world of the scouting organization and what it offers our young men. I always thought Jason was ideal in this organization. He is a strong male role model. I am so proud of him and all that he stands for. I think he is an example of what a "good man" is. He is so good to me and the kids, he is an excellent provider, he serves God and loves his country. He is equally comfortable in board meetings making million dollar budgets and hanging out with his buddies hunting, stinky and dirty as can be. He is quietly strong. He has strong opinions and ideals, but does not push them on others. He is not crass, rude, or demeaning. He lifts others around him, his employees, his children, and me. He makes me want to be kinder and more patient with the injustice and bigotry we face. All of these reasons are why I have always supported him as he works with the young men.
In our society I feel as women have been granted more respect and freedom, which I appreciate, while men have been dealt a blow. In the great rush of the women liberation movement, male qualities have been made to be less than desirable. In our schools, most educational teaching is geared to girls. They are made to sit still and be quiet. In pop culture men are shown as the patsy, the goof that mom has to save the family from. Or as the bad guy. This is so hard on our boys. They need to see that the gifts that they have are just as valuable and that they have so much to offer. I love my little boy and what to help him grow into a man like his dad. I thought this calling was not for me, I am such a girly girl. But now I see that I have a new challenge. Instead of just pushing it off to Jason I need to find a way to relate to and strentghen these boys. I think in doing this it will make me a better mom and help me nurture the bond with my boy. I think this will mean I might have to get my freshly manicured hands a little dirty. Last night I actually wore heels to scouts, bad idea. Time to get a workout for my tennis shoes and jeans.
I am now, glad for this calling and opportunity. It has taken me a few weeks to come around to this, but I am grateful to be here. I need this time and opportunity and hopefully it will bless the boys I serve.
For the last several years I have been in the Relief Society, the organization in the church that organizes and serves the women. We planned activities to strenghten sisters and families, reached out and served those in need, and helped organize meetings that allow the sisters to draw nearer to Christ. This is my interpretation, not the official church statement. Before that, I was working in Activity Days, the program that Moya now enjoys. It is for girls 8 to 12. FUN, FUN! In my most recent past, I was Activity Committee Chair (basically party planner for our whole ward) again big fun! I tell you all this so you can see I am facing change. To most clearly illustrate this point, on the Sunday they announced my calling, Nate learned over and said, "Mom, you are gonna die!"
Jason has been the person in our marriage that has spent years serving in scouts. All the way from the cubs (8-11 year old) to Boy Scouts (12 and up). I think the world of the scouting organization and what it offers our young men. I always thought Jason was ideal in this organization. He is a strong male role model. I am so proud of him and all that he stands for. I think he is an example of what a "good man" is. He is so good to me and the kids, he is an excellent provider, he serves God and loves his country. He is equally comfortable in board meetings making million dollar budgets and hanging out with his buddies hunting, stinky and dirty as can be. He is quietly strong. He has strong opinions and ideals, but does not push them on others. He is not crass, rude, or demeaning. He lifts others around him, his employees, his children, and me. He makes me want to be kinder and more patient with the injustice and bigotry we face. All of these reasons are why I have always supported him as he works with the young men.
In our society I feel as women have been granted more respect and freedom, which I appreciate, while men have been dealt a blow. In the great rush of the women liberation movement, male qualities have been made to be less than desirable. In our schools, most educational teaching is geared to girls. They are made to sit still and be quiet. In pop culture men are shown as the patsy, the goof that mom has to save the family from. Or as the bad guy. This is so hard on our boys. They need to see that the gifts that they have are just as valuable and that they have so much to offer. I love my little boy and what to help him grow into a man like his dad. I thought this calling was not for me, I am such a girly girl. But now I see that I have a new challenge. Instead of just pushing it off to Jason I need to find a way to relate to and strentghen these boys. I think in doing this it will make me a better mom and help me nurture the bond with my boy. I think this will mean I might have to get my freshly manicured hands a little dirty. Last night I actually wore heels to scouts, bad idea. Time to get a workout for my tennis shoes and jeans.
I am now, glad for this calling and opportunity. It has taken me a few weeks to come around to this, but I am grateful to be here. I need this time and opportunity and hopefully it will bless the boys I serve.
AWESOME!!! You know I covet that calling... I pretty much covet any calling right now that doesn't belong to a presidency! You will do a great job and what a great tribute to Jason. I really enjoyed reading that! By the way, not sure where you can buy it, but Oscar De la Renta makes a designer cub scouts neckerchief... something to look for online, no doubt!!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll do great!!
ReplyDeleteTammy, you are a great writer. I loved reading how you feel about Jason! He is a great guy, isn't he? I feel lucky to have a great guy of my own, and I just thought "tell it, sister!" the whole time i was reading. Ditto about how our society portrays men in the media.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Cubs right now as the Cub Master. I really feel like Scouting is something you almost have to do twice. The first time I was in it, I picked it up, did it enthusiastically, and it was great. But this time around I'm much more organized and better at keeping track of everything. Still enthusiastic, love the program, love the boys! If you're having fun discovering the program, go girl! But if you have any questions, or would like a copy of our yearly schedule, let me know. The nice thing about Cubs is they are in each level just one year. So you can make one schedule and use it year after year and they'll never repeat. Anyway, email me if you want activity or game ideas...
Mel