My Brothers and Sisters, Aloha,
Imagine standing on the deck of a double-hull voyaging canoe, with no GPS, no map, and no modern tools—just you, your senses, and the guidance passed down through generations. In such a situation, every detail matters. The position of the stars, the patterns of the waves, and the direction of the wind are all significant clues that lead you on your journey. We are taught to make thousands of observations each day, which helps us make hundreds of choices, which then leads us to making two decisions at sunrise and sunset. Those two decisions are where you are on the face of the earth, and where you are going.
In many ways, life is similar. Each day we make countless observations—about our surroundings, the people around us, and even our own choices. In turn, these observations and choices shape our path forward. But what guides our decisions? How do we know where we are in life, and even more importantly, where we’re going?
Today, I want to talk about three steps that can guide us on our voyage: Observation, Choice, and Decision.
1. Observing With Spiritual Eyes
In Proverbs 3:6, we read, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” [1] The Lord doesn’t just ask us to observe what’s physically in front of us—He calls on us to acknowledge Him, to look with spiritual eyes, and to seek His guidance.
So, how do we observe spiritually? When I say “observe,” I mean noticing the things that aren’t immediately obvious: the needs of others, the gentle promptings from the Holy Ghost, and the blessings that surround us every day. As students here at BYU–Hawaii, you’re in a unique environment filled with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Take a moment each day to look around and observe the people who may need a friend, a helping hand, or simply a listening ear.
President Jean B. Bingham, a former Relief Society General President, once shared that “seeing with spiritual eyes enables us to develop an eternal perspective, fulfill our divine potential, and share the gospel with those around us.” [2] I love this idea because it reminds us that observation isn’t just about seeing what’s on the surface. It’s about understanding others on a deeper level.
When I was a student here over 30 years ago, former university president, Alton Wade, taught me a great lesson. Every day he would walk around campus, greeting students with warmth and genuine interest. If you greeted him first, he would buy you an ice cream cone from the Seasider. I never got an ice cream cone, but I’ll never forget the times he stopped to talk to me. He asked about my classes, my family, and my goals. Looking back, I can see that President Wade observed students in a way that went beyond a simple “hello.” He was looking with spiritual eyes, listening for the Spirit’s guidance, and showing each of us that we were seen and valued.
Now I invite you to think about how you might observe spiritually in your life. Think about a time when you saw something that others might have missed—perhaps you noticed a friend struggling in silence, or maybe you felt prompted to reach out to someone you hadn’t spoken to in a while. That kind of spiritual sensitivity allows us to see others as Christ does, with love, empathy, and a desire to help.
President Russell M. Nelson has taught us that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” [3] We live in a time when the ability to observe and recognize the Spirit is more important than ever. We must develop the skill of listening to the Spirit so that our observations become more than just visual; they become deeply inspired insights that can guide us and bless those around us.
May we all live our lives in a manner to have the constant influence of the Holy Ghost, so when we observe, we observe not only physically, but also spiritually. Thus, allowing us to make good choices, that allows God to use us as an instrument in His hands.
2. Making Choices With Love and Purpose
Once we observe, the next step is making choices. A navigator on a canoe might have the sails adjusted, change direction, or shift weight to handle the conditions. Each choice is a small but essential step in reaching the final destination.
Here at BYU–Hawaii, you are at a critical point in life, facing decisions about your major, your career, and even your relationships. These choices will set the course for your future in ways you may not fully realize now. I encourage you to take these decisions seriously, to make choices that honor God and align with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Jesus gave us a profound way to approach choices with the two great commandments. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [4]. Notice that Christ connects our love for God with our love for others. Our choices should reflect that love, both for the Lord and for those around us.
Years ago, as a bishop, I met a sister who came to church one Sunday. Through physical eyes, she looked like someone going through difficult times—homeless, living in a shelter, and struggling. But with spiritual eyes, I saw a daughter of God with the potential to change her life. Over time, she gained employment, moved into transitional housing, and even went to the temple to receive her endowment. Watching her journey reminded me of how powerful it is to make choices with love and to see others as the Lord sees them.
Sometimes, the most profound choices we make are those where we choose to love, to serve, and to uplift others. In the hymn “Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” there’s a line that says, “Pause to help and lift another, finding strength beyond my own.” [5] This line always reminds me that when we choose to serve others, we’re strengthened in ways we may not expect. Our Heavenly Father blesses us with greater capacity when we choose to love others as Christ does.
As you face decisions about your future, ask yourself, “How will this choice help me grow closer to God? How will it allow me to love and serve others?” Remember that the choices you make now will create a foundation for your future, both in this life and the next.
3. Decision: Where Are We? Where Are We Going?
On the canoe, knowing your position and direction is crucial to staying on course. Without guidance, we can drift, lose focus, or even end up off course entirely. Likewise, in life, we need regular reminders of our direction. We need to know where we are in our spiritual journey and where we are headed.
In 2012, I was part of a sailing trip from Tahiti to Hawaii. The trip took almost 20 days. Before setting out, our crew trained hard to prepare for anything. But even with all our training, we hit a storm that was unlike anything I had experienced before. The sky was dark, and rain came down hard as the wind whipped through the air. Fear crept into my heart as I thought about the unknown. But then, I remembered a priesthood blessing my father had given me before I left. He blessed me that I would be safe and watched over. I also knew that my family would be praying for my safety. Holding onto that blessing and the prayers of my family brought me a sense of calm, and I knew that whatever came, we would make it through.
The storm eventually passed, and we continued our journey to Hawaii, grateful and a little wiser. This experience reminded me that we must regularly assess where we are and keep our focus on where we’re headed, especially when challenges arise. Sometimes, it’s only by taking a step back and looking with an eternal perspective that we gain the peace and strength to move forward.
President Nelson has recently encouraged us to “take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.” [6] When we think celestial, we remind ourselves of the bigger picture. This eternal perspective helps us understand our trials as well as our blessings. It reminds us that our final destination is more than just a career or a degree—it’s a place with our Heavenly Father.
The covenant path is our spiritual map, leading us to the celestial kingdom. Each covenant we make brings us closer to God and fortifies our journey. We were sent to earth with a purpose—to gain experience, learn, and grow closer to the Lord. By keeping our covenants, we stay focused on Him and stay on course, no matter how rough the seas may get.
CONCLUSION
As you navigate your own life journey, remember these three steps: Observation, Choice, and Decision. I challenge each of you to observe the people and situations around you with spiritual eyes, to make choices that reflect Christ’s love, and to keep an eternal perspective as you decide your direction.
Let us strive to become instruments in the hands of God. We have a loving Heavenly Father who sees our potential and who stands ready to guide us when we invite Him into our lives. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and through His Atonement, we can find peace and strength as we journey through life. May we trust Him and take the long view, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to our divine purpose.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Proverbs 3:6
[2] Jean B. Bingham, “Catch the Vision, Share the Vision!”, Liahona, August 2019.
[3] Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2018, 96.
[4] Matthew 22:37-39
[5] “Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220
[6] Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,” Ensign or Liahona, November 2023, 118.