Passing The Torch

An era came to an end for me yesterday as I passed the torch of shift coordinator at the temple to another sister. I have been serving as the coordinator on the Friday morning shift in the Los Angeles LDS Temple for almost 2 years. I began that journey on April 20, 2016. 

Two years (23 months, actually) is a long time to serve as a coordinator. I know many others who have served even longer, however. I don't know how they did it! I'm glad that I was able to serve in that capacity, but I have to admit that although it was very rewarding, it was a difficult job. 

Sister Ramona Northington, who has served as one of my assistant coordinators for the past few months accepted the position to serve as coordinator. I know that she will do a fantastic job. 

Every temple worker knows that being the coordinator is hard work and very time-consuming, but they don't really know how true that is until they are the one sitting in the drivers seat. I can honestly say that it occupied my mind most of the time every single day (unless it was during the times the temple was closed for maintenance). I was constantly working on schedules, receiving and answering e-mails, keeping records, and trying to juggle the rest of my life to fit into that realm.

Now, that burden has been lifted, but with it, I feel a sense of loss. I kind of feel lost in a way. Now what will I do with all of my spare time? I'm sure I will find some way to fill the day, but things will definitely be different from now on.

Along with not being a coordinator, my time serving as an ordinance worker is soon coming to an end as well. I'm going to be taking a leave of absence or possibly be released altogether. I have found that because of my back problems, it is increasingly more difficult to perform the tasks expected from all ordinance workers. I now need to focus on getting my back healthy. That may mean back surgery, but I want that to be my last resort. I'm going to be obtaining second or third opinions on possible treatments from doctors not practicing here in the Antelope Valley. Friends have given me names of surgeons they trust that I want to consult with. Hopefully, I can find some kind of relief and can return to living a normal, pain-free life.

I'm trying hard to stay positive. It is rather difficult to keep negative thoughts away when you are physically limited because of back pain. I know that God gives us trials so that he can mold us into better individuals than we can become on our own. I'm having this trial for a reason. I'm not sure yet what that reason is, but I am willing to go through anything the Lord desires of me in order to grow in ways that will help me become a stronger, better individual. He is on my side, and knowing that makes me want to do all I can to work with him through this trial.

Just as Christ is lifting and helping this individual, He will lift me as well.