My sister just received notice that her six-month term limit as nursery leader is about to expire. Her Primary president has submitted names to the bishopric for her replacement and her release is imminent.

My sister's reaction is mixed. After six months, her nursery routine has finally been established. After six months, she has developed bonding relationships with the children. After six months, she has been conditioned for the work of two hours in a room full of toddlers and now goes home from church without a headache or desperate need for an immediate nap.

On the other hand, she anticipated her six-month tour of duty in nursery to be accurate and the calendar reveals her time is up.

Like most first-time nursery workers, my sister was apprehensive about her calling. She worried about caring for her newborn baby during church and the germs she might contract from runny-nosed nursery kids. She worried about loving her calling since a nursery leader wasn't something she aspired to be, nor did she feel she possessed natural talents to succeed easily.

In fact, when she called to announce we now had the same calling, I distinctly remember her self-consoling words, "but at least it's only for six months."

My reaction: "Six months! Are you kidding me?"

First of all, I'm not a big fan of term limits for church callings. Nothing is more unimpressive to me than a bishop who is counting down his years, or a missionary with his release date circled on the calendar.

I empathize for those with heavy mantels of service – an end-date does provide solace during the hard times. It also probably improves efficiency with organization and goals.
 
I also agree that early 20th-century bishops and leaders who served for decades at a time is not necessarily the best way to build the church either.

But I like to adopt the philosophy of "blooming where you are planted, no matter how long the season."

I am reminded of a story told in general conference, although lds.org and my scant memory didn't help me find the exact reference. One of the church leaders talked about the importance of commitment to service. He said when traveling to various countries to visit latter-day saints, he always unpacks his suitcase, no matter how short his stay. It was the same for him and his wife when they were young and transitory. No matter how short their time in a ward, they were dedicated to service through callings, building friendships and making memories because they didn't excuse themselves from involvement based on the calendar or their stage of life.

I've tried to adopt that philosophy with my callings -- serve wholeheartedly with no excuses and no countdowns. As a result, I do admit, I was left too long as the stake public affairs specialist. I think I held that position for at least eight years. I was still committed, but may have lacked fresh enthusiasm at the end.

So today, I had to take a minute and count how long I have been serving in nursery. I know I'm well into my third six-month term. Does that mean I'm on the brink of burn-out? Does that mean the children are tired of seeing my face every Sunday? While every situation is unique, I don't think callings are like a gallon of milk with an expiration date.

I guess I expect a person to have raised eyebrows and a dropped jaw when asked to serve in a calling as well as when they are released. Callings are a challenge and aren't meant to be comfortable, but they are meant to make us a better person and build the kingdom, wherever we serve.

I suppose some wards are like thriving gardens with bright and cheery members ready to contribute with enthusiasm and faith. Other wards are more like the current view from my window -- the flower beds are barren and the wind is a bit cold.

Either way, we should personally bloom where we are planted and serve without conditional dedication. The result will be a beautiful and well worth the effort.