A good day and a good lesson.

The first week in my new ward, it was already well-known that I played the piano, and could substitute. (I blame Ryan.) My second Sunday I actually was asked to sub in Relief Society. Then later that week, I got a phone call from one of the counselors in the presidency, asking if I'd be willing to teach the next Sunday. My records aren't even in the ward yet, and somehow she got my phone number. (I found out Sunday that the ward website works faster than the clerk's office.)

So, ok, I'll teach. I've never taught Relief Society before. I like the manuals that tell you just what to say and when to say it. This was an entirely new experience for me. I spent my Friday night planning my lesson and writing out my notes. I had one of those great moments of personal revelation, that confirmed the truth of what I was reading, and just really made a deep impression on me.

It was really nice to have finished preparing my lesson on Friday. Then I could fully enjoy my Saturday, and not have to rush back to it.

My records finally made it to my ward. It's nice that I'm an actual member of the ward that I'm teaching in. When they introduced me before I taught, they did make mention of my newness. It got quite a reaction from the crowd. I guess they were all impressed that I would be willing to teach being so new.

It was a good lesson. I made them laugh once or twice. I made a few of them cry. (Which Ryan tells me is the sign of a good Relief Society lesson, how many tears are shed.) They did seem strangely hesitant about volunteering answers, but they are quite willing to read things.

It's interesting, but not surprising, that most comments from married women revolve around children and family and husbands. One thing I've noticed about being in a singles ward for so long is the fact that I'm used to lessons that are not quite so focused on raising children as much as how to become a better person so that in the future I can be a strength to my family. So when I ask questions, I know that their first thoughts and answers are going to be family and children. Which is not a bad thing, but I take it as a personal challenge to make them look beyond that.

Anyway, it was a good lesson. I got lots of compliments afterwards. The presidency was very happy with me, and very happy with my lesson. They said something about wanting to have me involved in Relief Society. Should I be worried? Well, I'm not really. I really like the ward, and I would be glad to do more.

The Relief Society president did mention that I looked so calm and confident while teaching. I don't know that they really believed me when at the beginning of the lesson I said I was nervous. But years of standing up and performing has made me capable of being terrified but still getting up there to do what needs to be done.