“You Can Do It”

Several years after World War II was over, our family (consisting of my husband, two sons ages four and two, and myself) moved to Spanish Fork, Utah. We had been in our home about six months when I was asked to teach the Nursery Class in Primary.

I was a very shy person. Although I had been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all my life, I had never held a position. So I talked with the Primary president (Rebecca Christensen), whom I knew rather well. “I could never do that!” I told her, “I have never taught before.”

Rebecca knew I was shy, but she also knew that I loved children. She expressed her love for me and told me she knew I would love the work, if I would just give it a try. I declined the offer. But when she arose from the chair to leave, she told me she would expect me to teach this group of children come Primary day.

Not until after she was gone did I find the lesson book she had left on a chair. I thought I must return it, but instead I opened it and read the beautiful lessons. Each day I told myself I would return the book. And each day it became harder for me to think what I might say to Rebecca. Primary day soon arrived. I knew I had to give the lesson or find someone who would. So I studied and prepared. I said to myself, “I will give the lesson just this once, then return the book.”

I taught that class for three years. Then I taught the Rainbows for five years. When our ward was divided, I was called to serve in the Primary presidency.

Over the years I have held many leadership positions: Beehive leader, president of the Young Women, counselor and then president of our ward Relief Society and secretary of our stake Relief Society. These callings have helped me become a more fulfilled and happier person, for they have helped me overcome my shyness and learn to love my fellowmen. All this, because a dear, trusting leader showed she really cared and would not let me say “no” to a calling. Elaine Teasdale, Spanish Fork, Utah