Back where I started from

I have to chuckle. Heavenly Father definitely has a wonderful sense of humor. Sunday I was called to teach in Primary. It has been years since I have served with the little guys.

The first calling that I had when I joined the church was in Primary. I remember it well. I had never taught before and was really nervous but figured, how hard could it be, they are 6 and in school and know how to sit and listen and behave, right??
I can laugh now but not then. I would come home near tears some (OK most) weeks. I was awful and so were they. For those who know me, I am pretty stubborn. I was not going to let a bunch of 6 year olds get the best of the situation.
Being stubborn has it's advantages. If Heavenly Father called me to that class then He would help me to do whatever it took to do it. He had something for me to teach and some things for me to learn, then I just needed to find out what.
Those poor kids had alot to put up with while I learned what I was supposed to be doing. I would pray and teach, pray and teach and pray some more.
It was a miracle. As I got better, they mysteriously got better. As I learned to love them, they responded in kind.
By the time I was released, those were my kids and it was really hard to no longer be their teacher.
I treasure those memories and can truly laugh at myself and am so very grateful to Heavenly Father for giving me that special time in Primary.
I haven't been in Primary in years. I must admitt it was somewhat of a culture shock after all this time.
It didn't take long for the old instincts to come into play. I got home and read the lesson for next week. There was a short shifting (OK grinding) of gears to get into the child mode from teaching youth and adults for so many years.
I went to the church web site to look up Primary. They have changed alot since I was in there. I read through it all and now have an idea of what to do and not to do. I certainly don't want to embarrish my grandson and my two Murphy girls.
I went on line and ordered my very own brand new manual . (I tend to make notes in my manuals) plus I needed the pictures and stuff that go with the lessons. I have ideas on how to set up a filing system for the visual aids for the upcoming lessons.
I also ordered the childrens song book and CDs with words and music. The brain doesn't pick up on things as fast as the kids and if the teacher doesn't sing, the kids will follow suit. I was frankly surprised at how many of the songs I still remember but there are new ones I need help with. Of course it really helps that kids don't care if you really can't sing.

Misty called that night. She told me that Madisen(who is in my class) told her mom that I was really strict. they decided that was probably where Mimi gets it (sorry Misty)When her mother asked her what I did that made her think I was strict, she said that I wouldn't let her stand up on the chair except if it was an emergency. How funny is that? At least she didn't say I was mean. Strict is better than mean. Right?
Sooooo, to make a short story looooog. I am back where I started, in Primary and will still have lots to teach and even more to learn. What an adventure.