A couple of months ago, Sterling, commented to my mom that I must love my Young Women (the church youth program that I help facilitate) a lot because I am always at church. At first I was concerned that my five-year-old felt like he had to compete for my attention. After weeks of contemplation I realized that I would be honored if my children retain memories of their mother fulfilling her callings and serving in the Lord's church. That being said, I was released from my position as Young Women's President after two and a half years of service in early July. And as with anything that you put your heart into, saying goodbye was bittersweet for me. Without being presumptuous, it was as if some of these girls had evolved into spiritual daughters of my own-filling a hole in my heart left with the birth of three sons. My love for them will not end with this change!
The most relatable feeling that has come with this release, is that of returning home from my mission. There is a degree of sadness for what is left behind, mixed with a natural excitement of coming home and progressing. I am conscious of the debt that I must repay my family and household. Kaden is six and a half. He is so bright-and loves to read and build. He just got his passport and is looking forward to a special trip that we are taking in September for his seventh birthday. Sterling is five. He is so excited to be in Kindergarten this year and is the star of his soccer team. He is so loving and very protective of both his older and younger brothers. Jackson is three and a half. We have officially mastered the potty with no time to spare before he starts preschool tomorrow. He is contagiously happy and loves the alphabet and Nemo. And then there is Matt-loving, unwavering and supportive. With a sudden influx of extra time, I have vowed to be conscious of what to fill it back up with. I hope that my own children also realize that I must love them very much too. If they equate that love with time spent, as Sterling did with my Young Women, then time is what I am going to give them. So chances are if you are looking for the Kartchner clan this summer...you will find us by the pool!
Wow! That was really well written. I bet the YW were just as sad to see you go. You were a GREAT president!
ReplyDeleteI want to be like you when I grow up.
ReplyDeleteThat was such a sweet post, Amy. Your YW know they were lucky to have you, but they don't realize the full extent of what you gave to that calling. They never will unless they become as dedicated a YW's president as you were some day. The little hint you gave about Kaden's upcoming trip gave me a little thrill. My girls love seeing pictures of your kids on your blog. Kaden by the pool is perfect!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I so enjoyed working with you and being a part of such a great group of women and yw in the vineyard ward. I get so excited when I think about how lucky the young women are these days to be taught and guided by women such as yourself. Thank you for being such a great example and for giving your all to the girls. They truly were blessed to have you be their president! I am now so VERY excited for you and the time that you get to spend with your cute little boys. I too feel a void filled as I work with the yw it was so gratifying and fullfilling, yet being home and spending time with my boys I would not trade for all the girls in the whole wide world!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your extra time with your family....another leadership calling will come before you know it!