That was so beautiful, so uplifting, and I want to walk with you, Jesus too. My dear brothers and sisters, first, I have to say aloha.
My dear brothers and sisters, Aloha. Thank you. You are a delight for my eyes and my heart. I can see and feel the radiance of goodness that fills this room. You look wonderful. You are beautiful, and I wish I could give everyone a big hug. It's so good to be with you today. Also, I like that I am here with my favorite apostle.
I know we shouldn't have favorites, but in my case. I am married to him, and he's also the love of my life. It's so good to be with you again. Hawaii, by itself, is a paradise for those who see the beauty of God's creation in nature. But an even clearer picture emerges when you connect this beauty to the sacred and joyful plan of salvation.
Recently, as President Uchtdorf and I studied Come Follow Me, we again read Moses 1:39, which says, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” [1] This time it was as if I heard this and read this for the first time. It was overwhelming to feel the comforting expressions of love by the Creator of the earth and the universe.
And when we ponder the meaning of this divine declaration, we can feel that this love is very personal. God knows that you are here at BYU–Hawaii. He knows where you are going from here. And remember, whatever you do in life, Jesus Christ is your strength. Embracing the values and opportunities at BYU–Hawaii prepares you to be lifelong disciples of Christ and to become leaders of his worldwide work.
Please cherish this time, use it wisely, and as you are looking and thinking about your future in life, please consider that education and dating work together.
Education trains your mind.
Dating refines your heart.
Education teaches analysis and discipline.
Dating teaches empathy and communication
Education prepares you for a life in the world.
Dating prepares you for a covenant partnership.
Both require humility. Both require effort. Both require patience.
Some students focus so intensely on academics that they neglect building relationships. Others focus so much on relationships, that they neglect their studies.
Wisdom lies in balance. You are not choosing between building a mind or building a heart. You are building both. Trust the Lord's timing. Some of you may feel pressure—pressure to date more, to marry quickly, or to achieve academically at the highest level. The Lord's plan and his timing are individual. Comparison steals joy.
As you seek Christ first—through prayer, scripture study, temple worship, and obedience—He will guide your education and your relationships. Now, if you focus on becoming the right person, you will be better prepared to recognize the right person—and to be recognized in return—so you can share this beautiful life and eternity together.
My dear young friends, trust the Lord. Look unto Him in every thought. Fear not, He loves you. Please know of my love and gratitude for each one of you. You are a significant part of God's wonderful sacred work at this very time in the history of the world.
Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Moses 1:39