Three months ago, we joined you for a weekly devotional. From the moment we stepped foot on this campus, we could feel the spirit of this special place. We were humbled to be with you then, and we are humbled now.
One of the highlights of that trip was finally meeting President and Sister Eyring, whom we have admired from afar. Because they are consecrated disciples of Jesus Christ, they have made you—the students, faculty, administrators, and staff—the focus of their service for the past 17 years. They have given tireless service to support the mission of BYU-Idaho “to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who [can lead] in their homes, the Church, and their communities.”[1]
Like many of you, we have been the recipients of the Eyrings’ kindness. On that Tuesday, our daughter Caroline, who was awaiting her mission call, chose to join us here in Rexburg. She attended a mission preparation class with a friend from Tennessee. She described the class as amazing! During that very class, her mission assignment landed in her inbox! After class, she calmly walked from the Taylor Building to this building to join us and the Eyrings prior to the devotional. She excitedly shared the news about that special email awaiting her. For 15 minutes, President and Sister Eyring asked her questions about her life and college experience, her excitement to serve the Lord full-time, and the anticipation of her assignment. Despite all that they had going on, they were genuinely interested in her and were perfect examples of ministering to “the one.”[2]
Following the devotional, we headed back to Utah for Caroline to open her call with family and friends. Sister Eyring requested to be her “friend” on Instagram so they could watch her open her mission call that evening. When we saw the Eyrings at general conference last month, it will not surprise you that Sister Eyring’s first comment to me was, “I’m following Caroline on Instagram! How is she?” Just as Sister Eyring requested to follow Caroline as an Instagram “friend,” the Eyrings have truly been a “friend” to all associated with BYU-Idaho. They have served you with love and have modeled Christlike leadership, and we hope to do the same.
These are exciting times in your lives! We know because we are living them in the Meredith home! We have six children: three young adults and three teenagers . . . soon-to-be young adults. Our eldest son, Chase, served a full-time mission in Madagascar and returned home during the pandemic. Only six days ago, our second son, Connor, returned home from his mission in Arizona and Chile. In less than two weeks, Caroline begins home MTC for her assignment to Sweden. Ellie just attended junior prom, Ethan started driving with his learner’s permit, and Christian turned 13 two weeks ago, becoming an “official teenager.” One of the highlights of our lives was recently serving as mission leaders of the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission, and fortunately for us, some of our missionaries are here at BYU-Idaho.
Over the past 25 years, I have seen my husband lead our family and our missionaries with high love, high expectations, good humor, and a big smile. I know you will come to love and appreciate his warmth and servant leadership.
Our greatest desire for our children, our missionaries, and now for you as our students at this sacred institution is for you to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. I testify “that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that we must build our foundation.”[3] Jesus Christ is the strength of young adults. As President Nelson has taught, “Following Him is the only way to enduring happiness.”[4] In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] “BYU-Idaho Mission Statement,” BYU-Idaho, https://www.byui.edu/about/byu-idaho-mission-statement.
[2] See Luke 15:4; Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Concern for the One,” Liahona, May 2008, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2008/05/concern-for-the-one.
[3] Helaman 5:12.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “The Answer is Always Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/05/58nelson.