what would be the right and responsible thing to do?

[Backroads]

I teach RS all of once a month. This month, on the day I'm supposed to teach, my family has lake plans and going to the lake is only my favorite activity.

So, with callings, when is it justified to look for a sub?

[Just_A_Guy]

Hmm.  "Family first" is my general approach.

 

Why can't you just swap weeks with one of the other teachers?

[David13]

I would say family comes first and family together for an outing comes very first.

As a child, my best memories of the family were at the lake in the summer, or winter, for ice fishing.

I notice when they do go, they always say "I have business to take care of".

That's ok.  Family business.

dc

[AngelMarvel]

When I was teaching once a month and had to be away for whatever reason... I would just call a sub teacher to teach for that one time for that month. Or switch with another teacher...but, I usually just did the sub without switching because I found that most of the teachers don't like to switch.

 

Family first!

[Str8Shooter]

Assuming that this is on Sunday, I feel it depends on what you are going to be doing at the lake.  Teaching a lesson is certainly honoring the Sabbath.

 

 

 

From Spencer W. Kimball:

“The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, sleeping, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day to which he is expected. To fail to do these proper things is a transgression on the omission side.”

 

 

 

I don't know you or your family.  The bottom line is that you know your family best and you know what the commandments say.  You will know what to do.

[Josiah]

Sabbath observance comes first I think. You have the judgment on the "Sabbath-appropriate" question - handle that first if you haven't already. Where does the Lord want you to be?

 

If that's already resolved in favor of family time, I personally see nothing wrong with finding a sub for a calling so you can follow through on plans you had already made in your family calling. From Harold B. Lee: 

 

The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes.

 

 

Just don't make a habit of it, or you'll get an even more demanding calling to compensate. 

[dahlia]

I teach once a month. One of the other teachers works at the hospital and sometimes we switch days so she can work. I switched when my son  got married and we had an open house on Sunday. I don't see what's wrong with subbing, as long as you do it in advance enough for the leaders to get a substitute.

[The Folk Prophet]

Hmm.  "Family first" is my general approach.

 

I know a whole lot of people who use this excuse to do a whole lot of things they're not supposed to, particularly in light of the Sabbath day.

 

But "Family first" is not a gospel principle. "God first" is.

 

Anyhow...giving the benefit of the doubt to Backroads and presuming we're not talking about Jet Skiing on Sunday...

 

There's nothing wrong with getting a sub and I think little justification is required. Unless it were ongoing, I expect even just "I don't feel like it this week" would be fine. So I don't think the real question comes down to justifying getting a sub, per se, but rather justifying "going to the lake", whatever that means and entails.

[Guest MormonGator]

Oh family first by far. As good as a teacher as I am sure you are,(and judging from your posts, I think you'd make an awesome teacher) there are other people who  can cover for the day. Enjoy the day with your family! You've probably earned it. People are too tough on themselves and beat themselves up for stuff they really shouldn't. Enjoy! Go swimming! Go fishing! Roast marshmallows and burn things in a fire pit! Sounds like a blast. Can I come?

 

Never forget: Someone who has an interest in controlling others can make the most mundane thing seem sinful. IE-I smiled a girl once and said "That is a nice dress you are wearing. You look very pretty." That is it. Now, I'm married. I'm sure someone could say "How dare you! You can't say that about another woman! Outrageous!" But, in reality, telling another woman they are pretty :: gasp :: even while married, is a compliment, not a flirtatious come on.  

Edited July 27, 2015 by MormonGator