Change is Good

I got released from my primary calling today. It was quite sad. I have been in primary since Samantha was a baby. Easily making it by far the longest calling I have ever had and defiantly the calling I grew the most in. What I will miss most about my calling is the fact that I loved being with my children on Sunday. I am sure some would find this annoying, but I just like to be where they are and learn what they were learning.
I definitely felt that extension to others' children as I served in primary. I truly found joy in the happiness of children, their eagerness to understand the gospel and the fullness of Christ love for their innocence and love toward each other. A great example of this happened today. A younger child moved into our ward and we sang her a welcome song, as the song ended and I told everyone her name another child proudly accouned that she was now her "best friend." We all laughed, but it made me cry to see just what Christ ment we he said to be as little children. I could give an endless rendition of days like today over the past five years. This is what makes me want to roll my eyes when someone says, "Why do they put me in primary?" If only they knew how lucky they were to be amoung such amazing teachers.
I too am sad because I feel like this marks the beginning of a new era and therefore the end of an old one. I am sure you are thinking what era is that? I feel like being married for nine years and at the present moment, without any babies around the house I am moving on to being a mother and not a mommy any more. I am sure you are thinking, "Ashlee, you are pregnant! You are still a young mother!" I know this is true, but this isn't like it's my first baby, but probably my last baby. I am not starting my family but putting the finishing touches on my master piece. At the same time I feel like my own childhood is ending and I am becoming a woman after 30 years of feeling like a young woman.
Of course too I have apprehensions about leaving something too that I have been apart of for almost six years and handing the torch to someone else. Even though I know I am leaving it in probably more capable hands then myself.
My own chldren cried this morning when I told them I wasn't going to be in with them anymore, but assured them I would still be at church.:) This did not help me hold back my emotions today as I ended my time in primary. I felt uprooted today, but it has brought new meaning to the term "bloom where you are planted" and I know there is a new calling for me to help me grow and love others through the gosple.