To everything there is a season

I've been released from the Young Women Presidency in my ward, a bittersweet turn of events. Bitter because I feel a kinship and an obligation to these tender teenage girls, facing crossroads and challenges and so in need of love and encouragement and role models. They make me laugh, make me feel like my time with them matters, and I enjoyed planning  meaningful activities with them. Sweet because it was very time consuming and frustrating, under a fun-loving yet disorganized president to whom my "counsel" was useless.  It made for too much precious time wasted, and too many sub-par efforts. The girls deserve 100%, as does the Lord.

It was difficult to let the bishopric know I needed to be released. B works full time,  attends graduate classes one night each week, and has to log over 200 internship hours (after his regular work day) for his graduate degree. That keeps him away one or two nights per week. He's also in the Elders Quorum Presidency, which requires a big chunk of time. With a second baby 2 months away, our fantastically active and obstinate 2 year old, and my YW commitments, neither of us was able to give 100% in our efforts. Something had to give. Right now, B's  obligations are more important; I need to be available to support him and pick up the slack. But I still felt a little bit like I was bailing on fragile 14 year olds. 

The bishopric member told me this: the scriptures tell us there is a time and a season for all things. He expressed love and appreciation for my efforts, and perfect understanding and support of my request. My replacement is compassionate and smart and much nicer than I ever will be.  I think I've made the right decision. I only hope that I've been able to teach these Young Women the following lessons:

• When making choices, consider this: "it may not be the worst thing I could do, but is it the best thing?"
• Do more than you think is necessary: be kinder, work harder, aim higher than you think you need to. The bare minimum is not enough to see you through, whether academically, socially, or spiritually. 
• Young Women is a program dedicated to you, but it's not always about you: Participating is often more valuable than any specific activity or lesson, whether your participation benefits you or someone else. 
• Education, both now and after high school, is critical. Don't sacrifice it, don't waste it, don't ignore it.