At BYU-Idaho we have exceptional faculty. When our students speak of their teachers we see big smiles and sometimes tear-filled eyes of gratitude. Last winter semester, I walked our campus with a film crew to capture a few of these stories. Before being recorded, we asked permission to share students’ responses.
One student looked especially surprised, pulled me aside, and humbly asked, “But Sister Meredith, I’m a convert. Do you still want my story?” I was taken aback by her response and reassured her that yes, her experience is just as valuable as any other student’s experience. We are thrilled that she has chosen BYU-Idaho to continue her journey of discipleship while receiving an education.
As I have pondered her question, I have wondered if I adequately communicated just how loved she is. Though each student who attends this university comes through a unique path with differing life experiences, we hope you understand your true identity and the great love our Heavenly Father and His Son have for each of you. We feel it keenly every day. You are meant to do great things!
President Nelson shared: “My dear friends, you are literally spirit children of God. 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.” [1]
First, each person on this campus is a child of God and as such, God loves us unconditionally. The student I met is also a child of the covenant because of her choice to be baptized and take Christ’s name upon her.
President Nelson has taught, “All those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy.” [2] As she chooses to follow Him and strives to keep that covenant and additional temple covenants, she becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Elder Kearon has offered these reassuring words: “My friends, my fellow disciples on the road of mortal life, our Father’s beautiful plan, even His ‘fabulous’ plan, is designed to bring you home…God is in relentless pursuit of you. He ‘wants all of His children to choose to return to Him,’ and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.” [3]
Years ago, I was preparing dinner and realized that I was missing a couple of ingredients. I didn’t have the energy to load up all six children for a run to the grocery store. So, I asked our oldest son Chase if he could watch his siblings while I made the quick trip with our youngest son. I would be back in 20 minutes tops! He assured me that they would be fine and he would call if they needed anything.
As I rushed out the door, our second youngest son Ethan asked if he could come. “Sure!,” I replied, but I was in such a hurry that it didn’t occur to me to tell Chase that I was taking his two youngest siblings.
When I returned a short time later, I could immediately tell something was amiss. First, the house was silent…in a home with six children that is very unusual. As I walked around a corner, the next thing I encountered was a red-eyed son who calmly but soberly told me how he and his siblings had been searching for Ethan, and before I could say anything, he continued to explain how they had looked in every closet and under every bed, had walked the perimeter of our home, had run up and down the street, and had knocked on neighbors’ doors, but he had failed to find his brother. At just that moment, Ethan came walking in behind me, and again, before I could apologize and explain, Chase grabbed Ethan, wrapped him in his arms and just sobbed.
The silver lining of my unintentional but horrible error was witnessing both Chase’s efforts and Ethan’s reaction. In an instant, Chase’s anguish was turned to complete relief and sheer joy at finding his brother! He and his siblings had been in relentless pursuit of their little brother and did everything they could think of to find him and bring him home.
Ethan was quiet, pensive, and a bit confused at his big brother’s sudden sobs and massive hug. I quickly explained my mistake and what Chase and his siblings had done in their exhaustive search for him. Ethan was deeply touched and could feel his older brother’s love for him.
I have reflected on this experience for many years. There were so many lessons learned that evening, like the importance to “repent daily!” I did a lot of repenting that night!
Why did Chase search so relentlessly and respond with so much emotion in finding his brother? Because he loved him. Love is the greatest motivator. The evidence of Chase’s love for his little brother that day was powerful and tangible.
Like Ethan, who was never truly lost, neither are we. We can never escape the loving eyes of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. In fact, President Nelson taught young adults just two years ago: “God will do everything He can, short of violating your agency, to help you not miss out on the greatest blessings in all eternity.” [4]
The greatest measure God has employed to bring us home, and the greatest evidence of His love for us was the offering of His Son, creating a portal for our safe return. The greatest evidence of the Son’s love for us was submitting to the Father’s will.
What is the evidence of my love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
And so, I have asked myself this question: After all of the efforts of Heavenly Father and the Savior to love me, what is the evidence of my love for them?
I invite you to take some time to think about this question and ask yourself what your answer might be.
The answer could include what the Savior taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” [5] and “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [6] It could also include making and keeping covenants with God. Can you imagine the joy of Heavenly Father and the Savior when we do?
Here is what President Nelson has promised to those who make covenants: “Once you and I have made a covenant with God, our relationship with Him becomes much closer than before our covenant. Now we are bound together. Because of our covenant with God, He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us. Each of us has a special place in God’s heart. He has high hopes for us.” [7]
To each student at BYU-Idaho, and especially the sweet student who asked, “Do you really want my story?” I repeat, yes! You are loved beyond comprehension because of who you are and who you are striving to become. I testify that we will find strength when we remember that we are children of God, children of the covenant, disciples of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Russell M. Nelson, “Labels can be fun and indicate your support for any number of positive things,” Facebook, July 20, 2022, Facebook - Russel M. Nelson.
[2] Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, The Everlasting Covenant - President Russell M. Nelson.
[3] Patrick Kearon, “God’s Intent Is to Bring You Home,” Liahona, May 2024, God’s Intent Is to Bring You Home - Elder Patrick Kearon.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, May 2022, Choices for Eternity - President Russell M. Nelson.
[5] John 14:15.
[6] Matt 22:39.
[7] Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, The Everlasting Covenant - President Russell M. Nelson.