As a woman in my Church I am part of the Relief Society. It is the largest womens organization in the world. To say that it is highly organized would be an understatement. One of the ways that we reach out and fellowship other women in our congregation is through Visiting Teaching. Every woman has a designated Visiting Teacher that visits or calls regularly, preferable once a month. This inspired program links each woman to each other. It can create friendships, provide opportunities to serve, and help everyone involved learn about and grow closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am the first to admit that I have had a bad attitude about going visiting. Sometimes it really feels like one more thing to check off my list. Then there are the moments when I realize that there is a reason for me to go and that I know that the Lord knows who I am and knows how I need to grow.
Recently my visiting teaching assignment changed. I have a new partner and I visit one woman that I had never met. I have to admit I was nervous to go and visit this woman that I knew nothing about. Luckily, I have a friend that I get to go and do visits with. She is fearless and volunteered to go and find about more about this lady before we went to see her. I am so grateful for her fearlessness! She found out that sweet Jane lives in an assisted living home and is suffering from dementia. My partner's father also has dementia so she is very comfortable with sitting and visiting with Jane and she quickly set up a time for us to go. So now Agnes and I go each month to visit Jane, even though she has no recollection of us. We pet the funny dog they have there and we smile and chat with the others that live there. Agnes searches for the cat that has been banished to the backyard. We have the chance to chat with the lovely woman who runs the home. Last week she kept me entertained with stories from her childhood in Romania.
After we left Jane's house last week I was happy. Visiting Jane brings me joy. Seeing Agnes flirt and smile and entertain these women gives me joy. Teaching my daughter that Visiting Teaching can change lives (even if just for a moment) brings me joy. Becoming comfortable in a situation that I would normally avoid brings me joy. Continually learning and growing in the gospel of Jesus Christ gives me joy.
6 comments:
As Mr. Rogers would say, "I'm proud of you!!"
Good for you! Visiting teaching is always a challenge for me, even when it shouldn't be. I haven't quite figured out how to change my attitude about it yet, either.
despite my excellent VTing upbringing - it is still hard for me to get it done. i am not sure if it's the 45 minute commute to most of my sisters or the chaos of my life. i do feel like i have developed a good relationship with most of them at least. and i agree it's important to be an example.
What a sweet post. I really enjoyed this.
I loved this post!
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