Sunday, July 11, 2010

Goodbye Young Women's:(

So here is "that" post I said was coming. I'm sure it's not too hard to figure out. Today was the day when my long reign in Young Women's ended. It actually ended a few weeks ago when I was released, but since it wasn't announced until today, it didn't feel quite real. Each time I have been released from Young Women's I have been a basket case. The girls become like second daughters to me. All the other times I have been released it has taken me off guard. This time I knew it was coming. The Lord was preparing me in so many ways. Of course, I didn't want to admit that's what he was doing, but I wasn't surprised when it came. Ben was shocked that I didn't shed a tear. Ironically enough, the one time that I didn't need two weeks to deal with it, I got it. All the other releases were done the day of. Funny how that works out. Anyway, though I didn't shed a tear, and felt at peace about the change, today took me by surprise when the water works came. It first came when Aubrie started to get all upset when they announced the releases. She started tearing up and saying things like, "Mom, are you going to be in there when I turn twelve. Does this mean you don't get to go to camp when I go?" I don't think she remembers a time when I wasn't serving in the Young Women. I collecting myself pretty fast and thought, "That wasn't so bad! Way to keep under control, Rachel!" When third hour came, however, not being in Young Women's really hit me hard. I'm excited for whatever new calling lies ahead, but after FOUR years of serving with the youth, I think I was kidding myself when I actually thought I could go through this release without a cry fest. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to my Young Women today and tell them how much I love them and will miss them, but those Young Women from my old ward, wrapping their arms around me at the temple the other day reminded me that they probably know! Thanks for that extra tender mercy Heavenly Father. And hopefully I'll be back in there to greet Aubrie when she comes in!;)