I Only Have Myself to Blame

So, I made the 2 1/2 hour trek down (and back, so 5 hours in the car total for a 3 hour meeting) to Muscat for Church on Friday - actually got there on time, too, so I was feeling rather proud of myself.  No one was playing a prelude.  I sat and waited, greeting people and being patient, all the while thinking, "I could go play the prelude", but not.  And then the meeting started and the regular pianist still wasn't there, and what did I do?  I jumped up to play the hymn.  And I played the rest of the hymns in the meeting, and (surprise, surprise) was lucky enough to play for Relief Society, too.  That's the meeting just for women during the last hour of church, in case any one was wondering.

I have only myself to blame.  See, my absolute LEAST favorite calling in church is to be the pianist.  I've done a lot of thinking about the reasons why, since it is a ridiculously easy way for me to serve.  I don't even have to practice (mostly).

Here are the two big reasons:
1. It's a very lonely calling when done properly.  If you play prelude and postlude, you don't get to talk to people.  Since I'm something of an anomaly at church (an older single woman, no children), not that many people talk to me anyway.
2. I have other talents.   I really hate to say this, but sometimes it feels as if I'm called to be a pianist out of desperation, rather than inspiration.   I know, lightning bolts await me.  Since it's desirable for everyone to have only one calling, I often get stuck with playing the piano.  I'm a better singer than player.  When I play the piano in a meeting, I don't usually sing.  I like to sing.  I'd rather sing.  I also have great organizational skills, I'm a pretty good teacher, and I relate well to young people.  Other people need the opportunity to develop their musical talents, too.

I shouldn't complain, I know.  There is no small calling.  Everyone is important.  It's an opportunity to serve.

And here's the thing - even though I hate doing it, I would rather do it myself than not have the music played properly - either not at all, or poorly.  What kind of hypocritical creature am I?