This Time, It's Personal

Anyone who's spent anytime with me knows that I've been involved in our church's youth program for a while. I was baptized in September 2001. About 2 weeks after I joined the church, I was asked to be the Secretary for the Young Women's organization (girls 12-18) in our ward (congregation). In the LDS church, we have no paid clergy. Thus, each active member is given a calling, or position, within the ward to help things run smoothly. I've been in the program ever since. I've lived in a number of wards (they are divided up by location) and in each ward, been asked to be in YW. That's 8 years I've been involved with this group.

Young Women's, in my humble opinion, is the rockinist group in all of the church. The girls are fun. The activities are fun. We laugh and giggle. We feel the Spirit. Seeing the girls of the church gives me hope for the future.

Every week we have an activity. That's 52 activities a year. As a YW leader, it's my job (there are 3 of us in each "presidency" or group of leaders) along with my presidency members, to come up with the activities and help the girls carry them out. In addition, we have dances to chaperone, Youth Conference to attend, Girls' Camp, special conferences, and Temple trips. Needless to say, they keep the youth busy with good things. And, they keep us leaders busy too.

One of the major programs within the YW organization is Personal Progress. It's akin to the scouting programs the boys participate in. The girls have to complete 42 small projects and seven 10 hour projects while they are in the YW program. The projects fall under themes such as Faith, Divine Nature, Integrity, Virtue and Knowledge. The purpose of the program is to bring the YW unto Christ. When you have done all of these things, you earn a medallion and the honor of knowing you worked your tail and did something great.

A leader may earn her Personal Progress (PP) after she has served for one year. We are encouraged to earn our PP along with the girls. Because I didn't grow up in the church, I never did get to do PP as a youth. So, why not?

PP is one of those things that is easy to overlook when you're busy trying to do all of the things us living folks must do. My little booklet sat in my scripture bag. And sat. And sat. Every 6 months or so, I would think "crap!" and pull it out. I'd set some goals and work on it. Slowly, but surely I checked off one task after the other. Then, I had my kids. Personal Progress? Forgetta 'bout it!

However, this last year, I renewed my commitment to complete this program. For gosh's sakes, I've been in the program for 8 years. That's 2 years longer than the girls. What kind of leader can't get this done in 8 years? Not this leader. Plus, I knew my time with YW would end eventually. I didn't want to walk away knowing I'd squandered the chance I'd been given.

Last week, I checked off the last 2 of my PP requirements. I did it. I actually finished something I started. And, coincidentally, I was released the same week. I can walk away with my head held high knowing I did what I asked my girls to do. I put in the same time. I developed my testimony. I recorded my life. I created good habits. I'm so dang proud that I didn't let this fall through the cracks. I love the YW organization. I love the girls. I've learned how to be a strong LDS woman because of their example and the example of the other women I've worked with along the way. The PP program has only enhanced my experience.

I'm so grateful to have had the chance to serve in this capacity. I would not be who I am today without these experiences. I know I'll be a better mom to my teenagers because of my involvement. When they are working on their own PP, maybe my example will help them to keep on keepin' on and get 'er done. It's kind of hard to believe that 8 years have gone by so quickly. While I was ready for a change, I will miss being involved with the youth of the church. I hope the girls I've worked with will look back one day and feel the fond feelings I do for the time we spent together.