Many church members seem to have certain auxiliaries they regularly work in, and that they prefer over all others. Of course, Latter-day Saints don't choose their callings (volunteer positions), but God seems to give us specialties anyway. Even when He doesn't, we usually want to be in certain types of callings. For instance, I prefer teaching to leadership or other types of jobs, and I prefer Primary to any other organization. Although I am most often a Primary teacher, I am periodically called on to serve in other organizations, and sometimes I am given a job I simply dread. Is there a way to survive a calling you feel is just not "for you?"
The first challenge is to decide that you will not simply survive it. If you tolerate it or aim to survive, waiting anxiously until you are released and moved to something more comfortable, you will never achieve what God sent you to do. Promise to do your very best to magnify your calling. The harder you work, the more you will learn to love the calling.
While you are working, pray about two important questions:
What am I called here to learn?
What am I called here to give?
As you focus on these important responsibilities, you will find it easier to forget your unhappiness and begin to fulfill your purpose. After all, God chose you for this position. Why did He choose you? The things you can be called to learn are many. In one calling I dreaded--it even gave me nightmares--I learned to
watch for little ways to offer my assistance and this made me more valuable in every aspect of my life. In another, I learned to cope with a discipline problem I had never faced before. Often I served with people who are unusually gifted in leadership, and I improved my own skills by observing them. In a third calling, I learned to improve my ability to plan.
The ways I am called to help have also been varied. In one, I was able to activate a child's parent as I served the child. In another, I solved a serious staffing issue. I never know in advance what it is I am called to do, but once I am in the job, the purpose soon becomes evident. When the path is clear, I find any calling exciting.
Pay close attention when you are set apart. Often, the blessing reveals what you are called to do. When you get home, write down as much as you can remember and use these notes to formulate a plan. Having a plan for both your personal improvement and your personal service will help you to magnify your calling. If you are still uncertain, talk to your leaders. If you are a teacher, ask the leader over your class why they felt you would be a good teacher for the class. What are they hoping you will bring to this calling? This information may help you to identify your purpose for serving. Often, when I have done this, I have discovered that others see in me something I did not see in myself.
Don't spend too much time thinking about why you don't like your calling. This can only lead to a poor attitude and hamper your ability to serve. Instead, go to work and focus on the task at hand. Develop a vision. President Gordon B. Hinkley said that work without vision is drudgery. If you create a vision for your calling, you will find that the steps involved will be more exciting and satisfying. Simply keep your eye on the goal.
Set regular goals for yourself and review them often. I always set goals at the very beginning of my calling, but I go over them monthly. At the review time, which can be done in your church notebook or in your journal, evaluate how far you have come in completing your goals. Also evaluate which goals still seem necessary. What new goals do you need? As you immerse yourself in the calling, you will discover new goals that you need to achieve the vision.
Most importantly, pray. Pray for a positive attitude. Pray to know your purpose. Pray for help in developing a vision. Picture the Savior coming to you personally and saying, "I really need your help. I know this isn't your favorite place to be, but I need you. Will you help?"
When the bishopric asks you to serve, it is exactly the same as being asked by the Savior personally. You wouldn't say no to the Savior and you wouldn't shirk or complain. You would feel special, important and needed. You would be motivated.
He has asked. Go to work with a glad heart.
Get an Attitude!: Heroic Examples from the Book of Mormon
