is both an amazing experience and also an humbling one. I remember as a child, my parents talking about their desire to teach Gospel Doctrine one day. At the time (when I was young and foolish about such things), I remember thinking that he had so many of the "cool" jobs, why would he want to just teach Sunday School. ("Cool" jobs would translate into leadership positions.). Later when I was an adult and started to be a bit more wise about such things, we had another conversation about Church callings and my dad said the same thing again. My mom added "but I wouldn't have the same pattern of teaching week after week. I would definitely mix it up." That counsel has stayed with me and I try to be guided by the Spirit about not only what to teach but also the how of teaching each lesson.
Last Sunday about D & C 60-63, I really planned to teach about member missionary work, but that wasn't the right one. We had a lesson on virtue and how we can increase the virtue of our thoughts, words, and actions. We divided into groups and made lists and then each group had a spoke person who promoted one of their items for the class. The things on their lists were so great and I shared them all on our ward's Facebook group. It was so great to see them discussing in small groups of around 8 or 9 people. It allowed some of the class members to actually talk who are quiet in the whole group discussions. Afterwards, several people commented that they had liked having the small group discussions.
The best part of being a Gospel Doctrine teacher is the preparation and study connected with it. All week, experiences and scriptures will play through my mind. I love that part.
But there are moments while I am teaching where you stand in awe at what you are seeing before you as people engage and share and you know the Spirit is there....it can take my breath away especially as I know the impressions which led me to that moment in class as well.
Callings--what a great blessing in our lives!
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