Welcome to a new semester. Thank you for being here today. It’s good to see so many of you. A special welcome to those of you who are joining us for the first time at this campus devotional. We love you all and are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community of Saints here at BYU–Hawaii.
As I meet and visit with many of you, I often hear questions about managing all the responsibilities of school, home, church, work, and community. How do we make sure we're giving enough attention to the things that matter most? I know there are times when I’ve asked myself this same question. Today, I want to share some thoughts and principles that have helped me, and I believe can help all of us, find greater peace and joy in our lives.
Elder David A. Bednar has an “unusual” response when he has been asked about keeping things in balance. He says we need to “quit worrying about it because there’s no such thing as balance. It doesn’t exist.” He suggests instead that we identify our purpose and most important priorities and then focus on the things that matter most in each moment. [1]
Keoni and I have dealt with this challenge of trying to fulfill many responsibilities in our family, more right now than ever. With five children and our roles at BYU–Hawaii and his assignment as an Area Seventy, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. That makes it even more important that we know what our priorities and purpose are and align our actions accordingly.
But how do we decide what matters most and what our priorities should be?
To do that, I find it helpful to ask, 'Does this help me become a better disciple of Jesus Christ?' Reflecting on this question helps me focus on what truly matters, beyond just checking off tasks. It’s about identifying what aligns with the Savior’s teachings and brings me closer to Him. When deciding how to spend my time, I ask: Will this help me grow in faith, serve others, or develop Christlike qualities? Evaluating choices through this lens brings peace, and when I’m stretched too thin, focusing on Christ’s priorities—loving God and loving others—helps me know what to prioritize.
This time in your life is so very important. In May 2022, President Nelson said this to the young adults of the Church, “Now, this is a singular time in your life. There won’t be another quite like it. You are establishing priorities and patterns that will dramatically affect not just your mortal life but also your eternal life.” [2]
But then President Nelson went on to say: “I am simply saying that no identifier should displace, replace, or take priority over these three enduring designations: ‘child of God,’ ‘child of the covenant,’ and ‘disciple of Jesus Christ.’”
Being a child of God means you have divine heritage and potential. Being a child of the covenant entitles you to a deeper relationship with God and increased access to his power and comfort. Living as a disciple of Jesus Christ empowers you to love and serve others and feel the joy that comes from that.
Our commitment as Latter-day Saints and members of this special BYU–Hawaii community is to focus on these identities and our highest purposes in our daily lives. This can be challenging, especially as you juggle school, work, Church assignments and all the responsibilities that come with being a student. I’d like to suggest some simple things for you to consider that might help keep you focused on what matters most. These suggestions are a good starting point to help you find what might work best for you.
Once we know what matters most, it’s about taking action. One thing that has helped me—and I believe can help you too—is making a plan. While plans often change, having a foundation to work from can make all the difference. I know a student who takes time every Sunday to pray and ask the Lord how to prioritize her time for the upcoming week. Afterward, she plans out her week, ensuring she knows what matters most and how to accomplish it. This simple habit helps her align her actions with what the Lord wants for her.
Sometimes it helps to make a list of things you absolutely don’t want to give up. These might be things like: taking care of your body with healthy food and sufficient sleep, attending church, taking the sacrament, studying your scriptures, praying with intent, spending time with loved ones, going to the temple, staying on top of schoolwork, and fulfilling work responsibilities. Once you’ve figured out what is really important, take a step back and see if there are areas that you can approach differently, maybe by adjusting your expectations or finding ways to simplify so you can focus on what truly matters.
Finally, trust God to accept and magnify your best efforts. Many years ago, then-Elder M. Russell Ballard shared a moment when one of his children expressed her concerns, wondering if she would ever make it. Here’s how he responded: “The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you.” [3]
When we do that, we will find peace and comfort, even in our hardest times, through the Holy Ghost. Elder Quentin L. Cook reminds us that “The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior’s Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace. [4]
As we turn to the Savior and follow His guidance, He will help us fulfill our responsibilities. Have faith and trust in Him who sent us here to learn and grow from our earthly experiences. Pray often and live in a way that invites the Holy Ghost into your lives. As you do this, you’ll find your purpose and will experience peace and joy. You will still face stress and challenges, but with the Savior’s help you’ll have the peace that comes from knowing you’re on the right path.
In closing, I share with you the words of Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith concerning the Saints’ challenges and suffering in Missouri, “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” [5]
We are in God’s hands. He knows that we are not perfect, He knows that this life is hard. He understands that we may feel inadequate, fearful, and even frustrated at times. But He is with us. We are in His hands. I know that God loves us. He is always ready to help us. With our testimonies and the comfort of the Holy Ghost we truly can be still and know that He is God.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Lindsey Williams, “'There’s no such thing as balance’: Elder Bednar shares an object lesson you may need right now,” LDS Living, March 03, 2022
[2] Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022], Gospel Library
[3] M. Russell Ballard, “Keeping Life’s Demands in Balance,” Ensign, May 1987, 16
[4] Quentin L. Cook, “Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteous,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2013, 35
[5] Doctrine and Covenants 101:16