Can I Get An Amen?

(Warning to my non-religious family members and friends- this post contains religion. Consider yourselves warned. And read at your own risk.)

On Sunday, I cried through verses 2-4 of the hymn, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" Cried like a baby. For two reasons. It is a touching hymn. And, the Primary Program was finally over.

As I may or may not have mentioned before, I serve as a counselor in the Primary Presidency. A calling that came as a total shock to me, because in my opinion, I am not "presidency material". My favorite place to be is in the Nursery, (I think I am the "1" out of 1 million persons who actually likes nursery), or teaching a lesson somewhere to people who are younger than 18. (All places that typically offer snack time or chocolate.)

But being a counselor in Primary has taught me a few things.
1. You can't be a procrastinator, and be effective at the same time.
2. It is a LOT of work.
3. The secretaries deserve a million dollars for everything that they do.
4. Figuring out the seating chart for the primary program is a total nightmare.
5. Hearing those little voices sing makes it all worth it.

And in the end, whatever verses to songs were forgotten, whatever speaking parts were totally botched, whatever chaos took place... it was all ok. Because there were about 200+ parents & extended family who came to watch their child(ren) have their moment of fame during Sacrament Meeting. And loved every minute of it.

And I loved every minute of knowing it would all be over. Soon. While crossing my fingers that they remembered all the words to the first verse of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives".

I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives.
He lives, He lives who once was dead.
He lives, my ever living head.
He lives to bless me with His love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

Because in Primary, that is what we want to teach the kids. That they have a Savior and Redeemer who loves them, and will always love them no matter what. And that they- each and everyone- are special and important to Him. That He knows them. That He loves them. And seeing it in their eyes- when they feel it- that, too, makes it all worth it.

Our Primary is crazy. It is total chaos a lot of the time. Well, maybe 38% of the time. But I love it. I love hearing their stories about saying a prayer to help them find their teddy bear. Or having faith that they can be with their family forever. And when I get to play with the little, little kids in nursery for a few minutes... and sneak some animal crackers and a pretzel or 2... or 5. I really love that part the most.

But I am thankful for my calling. And I am thankful for my religion. For what it teaches me every day. For the peace that it brings to my life. For the reassurance that I feel every day, knowing that I can get on my knees in prayer- to ask forgiveness, to ask for help, and to give thanks for all that I have been blessed with. It is a belief that I feel stronger about everyday. It is a belief that I don't know where I would be without it. It is a belief that teaches me, and helps me to want to be a better person. And offers forgiveness when I am not.

I am also thankful for the availability of pretzels during church. (Is that sacrilegious?)

But the Primary Program is over. At least for the next 6 weeks. Until we start preparing for the 2008 performance. But for now, can I just get a massage? And some Olive Garden?

Amen.