Give the laurels a rest

I understand that they have good intentions. And I don't think they realize what it sounds like to the person on the other end of the comment. But when I hear "Congratulations!" after I've received a new calling in church, I cringe.

Yesterday I was sustained as the new 1st counselor in the Stake YW Presidency. I heard several offers of congratulations from various members of the ward (and then the stake, when I went to the youth fireside that night). Coming from a select few, it didn't seem to bother me. But out of the mouths of most, it made my insides entangle themselves.

Obviously, there are many worse responses people could have had. "I'm starting to doubt the inspiration of the stake president!" is one example, and of course I'm glad that no one ever said that (to me, anyway). But applauding me is certainly not the best response either.

It's AWKWARD.

Why am I being congratulated? What did I do to earn it?? How do they know I even want the calling??? And how am I supposed to respond????

"Thanks so much! I've been trying to get the stake president to notice me for months, and I guess all my sacrifices really paid off!"

"Hey, thanks! I've worked hard to get here, and now I can run things the way I want to."

"I'd like to thank my mom, my dad, and all my fans...*sniff*...I couldn't have done it without you."

It's not like when I graduated from college, when I had worked hard towards my goal and it was finally realized. Or when I got a promotion at work, or got lucky enough to find the right man to be my husband, or a slew of other positive life experiences that merit applause. I mean sure, I'm worthy to receive a calling, so maybe what they're really saying is "Great job on not being a sinner!"...but being congratulated on my righteousness makes me a little uncomfortable.

But maybe it's just me.