End of an era

Tonight was my last night to be in charge of ward family home evening. I've been the FHE committee co-chair for about 15 months, and was on the committee for 4 months before that. Since I haven't been in a ward for over a year since I was 18, we can safely say I've never had a calling that long. Except being a full-time missionary, which was about the same amount of months (slightly different).

Our ward does FHE all together, so I've run the show every week. I know every member of our ward and a whole lot about needs and ways to meet them.  And people know me; for better or worse, they know me. This calling has been a really big part of my life. And even though there is relief, peace, even a bit of jubilation, there is sadness too. This calling has been the catalyst for a lot of revelation.  Has been an amazing means of serving individuals and my ward as a whole. It made all the difference in my life during last fall's darkness. I worked with an amazing, amazing committee; I love them dearly. I have loved the calling and the many individuals in my ward with all my heart.  And I think it will take a little bit to adjust and let go.

I love the potential FHE has for helping brothers and sisters fit into a ward, feel comfortable, become part of a ward family.  I have been new so much of my life--most of my life, really--and so reaching out to new people is very important to me. And I've rejoiced in the ability to facilitate a good transition for so many people.  To have real ability to influence the ward for good, and lives for good has been a true joy!

I've also loved that I could try out so many things that I learn and want to learn about having a family. And apply revelation that has come again and again as I read conference talks.  And study the purposes of the wonderful institution of family home evening. Etc. Etc.

Some day I want to do more to document all the wonderful activities we did; the fun times; the bonding. I want to document ideas, pictures, memories. 

But tonight I just quietly conducted my last FHE. I didn't say anything about it (some people know, some don't). And I needed this moment to just reflect, to feel a little closure. 
I've known it was coming; I'm turning 31 and will be leaving my young single adult ward. And it is certainly time; I'm worn out. Yesterday after church I was officially released by the counselor in the bishopric and there was feeling then. But I still had today. But as tonight drew to a close, it started to sink in.  It's over. A period of my life that I'll never have back, that has been precious to me.