Monday, February 18, 2008

Heaven? Not Today

There are many reasons why I am not getting into heaven...the least of which is that I am going to do something I don't usually like to do...complain about my calling.
(Just a little side note to my non-LDS family and friends...I love the Church, I love serving in the Church...I've just had a few bad moments.)
I am currently the stake building scheduler, and let me tell you, it is the MOST thankless calling I have EVER had!

I have never had a calling before where it was okay for people to yell at you, be rude to you, get mad at you, and generally not appreciate your work.

I am mostly a pretty assertive person (no comments from the peanut gallery, please). BUT, when it comes to church things I often bite my tongue when I might otherwise tell you to kiss my butt. I sort of feel like it's my obligation in serving to try and be kind, even when it's hard.

And boy, is it hard sometimes! Honestly, can you imagine yelling at your primary teacher because you didn't like how she taught the class, or getting angry at the Sunday school teacher because you didn't like where you were sitting. Of course not! But then again, people have no problem doing it to me when they don't like how the calendar has been set up, or they cannot get the building when they want it, or they don't like how the rooms have been allocated for people's various activities.

But honestly, people call here and they don't always know who I am or what my circumstances are...but they have no problem being something other than kind...and I have to say that I have learned a lot about people's true character in doing this job...because it isn't how you treat the stake president or the bishop that says anything about who you are...it's how you treat the faceless peon on the phone that really tells me something about you.

I guess I am just feeling frustrated because doing this is service...and even if that service isn't appreciated, it certainly shouldn't be criticized! It is all the more frustrtating for me because I really try to do a good job (and, not to toot my own horn, I think I have!).

But days like today make me want to ask for a raise.

Oh wait, I don't get paid.

Shoot.

8 comments:

Shelby said...

I've been meaning to call and go on a tirade to you about some scheduling problems we've been having here in our stake, too. You can take it, right? It's all your fault anyway.

Maybe you could pass it off on Mikayla--everyone would be nicer.

Kirsten said...

Denise, maybe you could start scheduling the most unkind individuals who call to meet in the parking lot or bathroom. That should teach them a lesson, or help you get released.

Sarah said...

I agree- let those losers meet in the john.

Melanie said...

I think the dumpster in the parking lot would be a great place for their receptions/meetings. Perhaps you could call it the "OMR" to disguise it "outdoor meeting receptacle". Yeah, that should keep them happy!

Amy said...

Ever tempted to say, in a saccharine voice, "Gosh, thanks for talking to me in such a respectful manner. That's so considerate and Christlike of you"??

Amy said...

I think you can really see people's true colors when they realize they forgot to do something or dropped the ball. All of a sudden, you either become their best friend or in your case, the one to whom all frustration is unleashed. Maybe you can get a recording put on your phone like the one for solicitors. "This number does not accept hostile scheduling requests. All scheduling requests should be made as politely as possible. In addition, should conflicts arise, you should remember that it is not the scheduler's fault. If you can procede with your request politely, press one. Otherwise, hang up."

Hilary said...

Far be it from ME to be judgemental -- but I think they're just doing it to your face -- instead of like when you're in YW or a RS teacher, they do it behind your back. :D

Jolinda said...

I've thought about this for a long time and I have to agree with Hilary. It's better to have people say it to you than behind your back. I am not however saying that it's okay! I feel like you sometimes that I wish people would keep their problems to themselves and just let me do my job!! Although I wouldn't trade the blessings of my callings for anything. It may sound cliche, but try to see the silver lining in there somewhere, no matter how small it may be.

I'll remember these thoughts as I ask for my next scheduling!!

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