Thank you for that beautiful music.
I am honored and extremely humbled by the invitation to speak to you today. This is a beautiful, yet somewhat overwhelming setting, and so many of you have come today to be spiritually fed. I have fasted, and prayed much that I would be led to share with you today what the Lord would have you hear, and that despite my weakness you may be strengthened by my message to you.
I want to begin my remarks today by telling my students, now and ever, how very much I love you. I appreciate all that you teach me. You inspire me to be better each day--to be continually growing and learning. We have been blessed by our Heavenly Father to create and study beautiful music together, and I am honored to be in your presence.
I am especially grateful to the Collegiate Singers for presenting today's music. I find great peace and joy through the singing of our beloved hymns. Orson F. Whitney wrote the poem "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul." You can find the text in the hymnbook #112, though to a different melody. I was going to read the words to you, but to me, it's just not quite the same without the music. So here is a summary. The hymn focuses of the Savior's redemptive powers, the gratitude we should express to Him, the joy the gospel brings to our lives, and a plea to help us return to Him--to be worthy and fit for the life above.
How do we become fit for the life above? How do we become our best selves? Who is Your Best You?
It has been very windy here lately--not an uncommon thing in April and May in Rexburg. On Sunday May 4, it was particularly windy, so much so, that a section of the fence in my back yard was blown down. This happened sometime in the afternoon between my telephone chat with my best friend in Utah, and my nap before working on this talk. As I looked out my kitchen window, I thought, "hmm, wouldn't it be nice if those students playing with their dogs came over and put my fence back up for me!" I knew it would be too heavy for me to do by myself, and so I thought, "Well, I guess I'll probably have to call my home teacher to come help me with that, or I could just go out there now and start to work on it and maybe one or two of those young men playing in the yard will come help. Well, it's Sunday. I probably shouldn't do that today, but if I wait the guy who comes to mow the lawn will be upset. The grass will turn yellow under the fence." A bunch of thoughts crossed my mind, and then, without choosing to do anything about it, I sat down to my computer. About an hour or so later, I got up to get myself a drink, and as I looked out my window, low and behold, the fence was already back up! I don't know the students who live behind me, but thank you for that little act of service that was a great example, and a great help to me. They could have waited for someone to ask them to do it, but they just did it! They chose to serve.
We learn some wonderful lessons from the experiences of the brother of Jared in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. In chapter 2 we read, "And the Lord said: Go to work and build...and the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges...according to the instructions of the Lord." This was going to be a very long journey across the sea. These vessels had no light and no air, and so the brother of Jared asked the Lord how they would survive this journey without air. He was instructed to make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom, and when air was needed, they were to unstop the hole and receive air. And if water came in, they were to stop the hole back up to keep from drowning.
Still, there was a need for light. Ether 2:22-23:
"And he cried again unto the Lord saying: O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness? And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?"
Ether 3:1-5:
"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared...went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying:
"O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.
"Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.
"And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
"Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power..."
We can easily liken this scripture to us, in our earthly sojourn.
The brother of Jared is a great example to us
- He went to work when commanded--he was obedient.
- He thought through his dilemma and came up with a solution.
- He was humble and expressed his humility to the Lord.
- He exercised great faith in the Lord. He knew the Lord could make those stones shine bright enough to give his people light for their journey.
- His faith was so strong that he was able to actually see the finger of the Lord, and then behold Him in all His glory.
How often do we feel that we are going forth across the raging deep in darkness? Do we clearly see the hand of the Lord in our lives? Do we allow Him to light our way? How can we be better at accomplishing that? Do we exercise faith in a fashion that allows us to commune with the Lord on a regular basis? Are we obedient to the degree that we can have His Spirit with us to guide us in everyday decisions--both simple and complex? Do we go to the mountain of the Lord--to the temple--to learn of His ways, and to become more like Him?
We have all come here to this earth to work out our own salvation. Each of us is unique, blessed with talents, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and righteous desires. As unique as we are, we are not alone. We are blessed to have families, friends, and teachers who love us and want the best for us. We are blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. Still, we are each responsible for our own choices and actions, and those actions will lead us either closer to or further away from our Father in Heaven.
Each of us will have our own personal wilderness experiences, designed to teach, test, and sanctify us. Life is hard. It is meant to be that way to help us grow, to stretch us, to challenge us, and to make us uncomfortable because those are the things that will make us stronger. But, we can choose to follow the Savior and receive His blessings.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught that "when you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed."[1]
Oh how we need light to guide us across the raging waters of our lives! Light is stronger than dark and Jesus Christ is the ultimate light. He is the Light of the World.
I would like to suggest a few things we can do to draw more near to the Lord, and allow Him to guide us and teach us as he did the Brother of Jared, that we might have light to guide us, that we might be fit for the life above.
First and Foremost: We Must Understand Who We Are
You are a child of God. We are all children of God. As children of God, we have the potential to become like Him. The prophet Brigham Young taught, "When we look upon the human face we look upon the image of our Father and God; there is a divinity in each person male and female; there is the heavenly, there is the divine."
Sister Sheri Dew, in her book No Doubt About It says this:
"It seems to be easy here in mortality...to lose sight of who we are and what we're here for, and as a result to become distracted from what is really important. If we don't have a clear sense of our identity and purpose, we are much more vulnerable to Lucifer. He of course knows this and accordingly attempts to blur our vision. He lies. He shades and obliterates truth. He makes evil look good and good look unenlightened and unsophisticated. Make no mistake about it: Lucifer will do anything to derail, disappoint, dishearten, discourage, and deceive us--and particularly those who have made and are seeking to keep sacred covenants. His motives are self-centered, selfish, destructive, and evil...Our ability to successfully negotiate this spiritual mine field called mortality improves dramatically if we are clear about who we are and what is important. And what is important is eternal life...The more clearly we understand our divine destiny, the more immune we become to Satan."[2]
Second: We Must Come to Know the Savior
Believe in Him and believe Him. The miracle of His atoning sacrifice is beyond our mortal comprehension, but work to catch glimpses of His godly love for you.
Sister Sheri Dew said further:
"The Lord will do for us exactly what He has said He will do--if we believe in Him and seek His divine direction and intervention in our lives...Do you believe that the Savior will really do for you what He has said He will do? That He will give you strength and insight to deal with the challenges at hand? That He will lighten your burden and turn your weakness into strength? That He will heal your broken heart and fill you with hope? That He will renew your energy and help you forgive? That He will help you deal with disappointment and loneliness, and fill you with the sweet knowledge of how precious you are to Him? That He will respond to your deepest hurt or longing and bless you with a spirit of good cheer, optimism, and faith? That He is the only source of comfort, strength, information, knowledge, and peace that will not change, will not move, will not betray you, and will never let you down?"[3]
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared the following:
"This reliance upon the forgiving, long-suffering, merciful nature of God was taught from before the very foundation of the world. It was always to give us hope and help, a reason to progress and improve, an incentive to lay down our burdens and take up our salvation. May I be bold enough to suggest that it is impossible for anyone who really knows God to doubt his willingness to receive us with open arms in a divine embrace if we will but "come unto him." There certainly can and will be plenty of external difficulties in life. Nevertheless the soul that comes unto Christ dwells within a personal fortress, a veritable palace of perfect peace. "Whoso hearkeneth unto me," Jehovah says, "shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil" (Proverbs 1:33)."[4]
Third: Surround Yourself with Good People Who You Would Choose To Be Like
To use the words of a familiar and beloved hymn, "Each life that touches ours for good, reflects" the great mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From the day we are born we are influenced by others for both good and bad. And, we influence others, also for good and bad. I encourage you to take a few minutes in the coming days to reflect on the people who have had great and positive influence in your life. For most of you, your parents will be at the top of your list. And surely there are others--teachers, coaches, church leaders, friends, and more--who have blessed and influenced your life in indescribable ways.
Perhaps a more challenging task is to think about ways that you have been a blessing in someone else's life. What are the talents with which the Lord has blessed you in order to bless the lives of others? How can you discover those talents? What is it that the Lord would have you do or become in order to bless lives? What are some things you have already done? What are you doing to develop your best you?
There are so many great people who have been an influence for good in my life, and who have helped shape and mold me, and have set an example for who I want to become. My gratitude to and for them is immense and truly indescribable. From family members to teachers and friends, there are many, many people in my life who I could choose to use as an example today of service and happiness and grace. I would like to share a few of them with you.
Soon after I completed my schooling at Utah State, I was working as a Music Therapist in south Louisiana. I was fortunate, and blessed to become well acquainted with my landlords, MaryAnne and Lindy Hoffmann, in the town of Thibodaux, Louisiana. The Hoffmanns owned the music store in Thibodaux. They had no children of their own, and they treated me like a daughter from the very beginning. Lindy was a drummer, and MaryAnne played the piano and clarinet. They were "my people" immediately. We became fast friends, and my parents back in Utah were very grateful to know that their still quite shy daughter was being looked after. They invited me to join them playing in the community band, which I did, and loved. I taught oboe lessons in the back rooms of the music store, and was invited to an occasional dinner. We spent lovely Sunday afternoons in the upstairs great room. But the thing I enjoyed most were my chats with MaryAnne in the evenings after work on the swing in the back yard of their beautiful southern home. They could see in me the teacher and musician that I had always wanted to be. I was working as a music therapist, but they helped me achieve my true dream of being in front of a band! These wonderful people helped initiate a change in my life that eventually brought me here to BYU-Idaho. When the time was right, I moved back to Utah and began my career as a high school band director.
The Hoffmanns are much like my own parents. They are hard workers, they are committed to serving others, they love their family, they are good, and they are honest people. I love being in their company. I always want to be the best I can be when I am in their presence. Lindy and MaryAnne are not members of our church. They have always been supportive of my beliefs and way of life, and the way they live their lives they might as well be members. One of my greatest hopes is that I have been as positive of an influence in their lives as they have been in mine. I have visited my sweet friends several times over the years, but not enough. I spoke with them on Mother's Day just a few weeks ago. They are aging, and I think of them often. They are givers. Their influence on me was life changing. They have been, and are, a blessing beyond my description, and I love them so!
For nearly three years now I have worn a wristband. I wear it in honor of a great young man who has had a tremendous influence for good in the lives of many people, including my own. This young man's name is Tyler Soelberg. Tyler is one of my 29 nieces and nephews, all of whom I love dearly. When Tyler was just a little guy, my friend and I were working on a small project. Tyler walked into the room with his grandpa, stood there for just a moment and then curiously asked about what we were doing. As I began to explain to this 5 year old that we were building a desk, he quickly picked up a screwdriver and said, "I want to help!" This was our Tyler--the helper--always in the midst of doing something--and usually a good something.
As Tyler grew, he was a smart, talented young man, always doing kind things for others. Tyler had lots of friends. This crazy, curly blonde haired boy adored what he called "the beautiful game" of soccer. He loved life. He loved his family. He loved the Savior and the gospel, and had a burning testimony of the Savior's great atoning sacrifice. Tyler was a giver. He served an honorable mission in Albania, and was a great leader there, serving as Branch President. Tyler loved to travel, and could get just about anywhere on very little money. He traveled to Peru and Honduras to work on a humanitarian project. To me, Tyler defied gravity--that's what my wristband says--defy gravity.
After his mission, Tyler attended the University of Utah, where he majored in both Film & Media Arts and Physics. Did I mention how smart and creative Tyler was? Brilliant in my estimation. When it came time to graduate in the spring of 2011 he was invited to speak at his convocation in the College of Science. In that speech, he encouraged his fellow graduates "to be playful, to take risks and to be creative." He also reminded them that life is very precious.
Not many weeks after that graduation speech, Tyler was taken from this earth in a tragic bicycling accident. Oh, how our hearts ached! They still ache. But Tyler's death helped us focus on the great and tender mercies of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tyler had reminded us that life was very precious. In remembering Tyler, we remember to see the best in others, to serve others, to realize the truth of who we are as children of God.
On Tyler's Facebook page, his friend Daniel Clark, wrote the following:
"My good friend Tyler Soelberg passed away in a bike accident today. I would invite you to tell someone who's close to you how they have changed your life. It's astonishing how quickly you can lose your chance. Tyler helped me understand that excellence happens in the quiet parts of life. He was an example of being accepting of anyone. I'm glad to have known him and I'm grateful for the impression he left on me."
Yes, Tyler was a giver. He had even designated himself as an organ donor, and continues to bless the lives of those who received his precious and healthy organs. Each of us has the ability to reflect the light of our Savior as we live the gospel and serve others. Tyler reflected that light throughout his life, and beyond. Tyler not only defies gravity now--he soars with the angels. He is our guardian angel, along with so many others who have gone before and set such a great example of love and service. He has influenced my life for good. Tyler would have put my fence back up for me, as I'm sure many of you would. Some of you did!
Elder George Q. Cannon said:
"No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character. He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come...We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments."[5]
Life is full of challenges. None of us are exempt. Losing Tyler was, I'm sure, the most difficult thing my brother David and his wife Pam had ever gone through. Their example of faith and hope has given me strength. Others in my family have been through incredible challenges as well, including divorce, the death of an infant, the death of a spouse, wayward children, cancer and other health issues, and many other difficult situations. It is all part of experiencing this mortal life.
But the Savior has taken care of all of that for us. Isaiah 53:4-5, "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; ...and with His stripes, we are healed." And in John 14:27 we read: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." All that we might be more fit for His kingdom; fit for the life above.
Fourth: Be Grateful
President Uchtdorf, in our most recent General Conference stated:
"Gratitude brings true joy and great happiness--as a disposition, as a way of life. Not gratitude for things, but it is an act of faith IN God...How blessed we are if we recognize God's handiwork in the marvelous tapestry of our life. Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires humility and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God's creation. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christ-like attributes! A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues."
In the popular musical Wicked, Glinda and Elpheba express their gratitude for their friendship by singing "Because I knew you, I have been changed, for good."
I am grateful for the friends who have changed my life for good.
So, in summary, and you don't have to be perfect in all of this right now, but use these as a guide to keep a steady course that will draw you more near to the Lord each day and become your best you:
- Follow your dreams
- With faith
- With love and charity and
- With gratitude
- Don't settle--for anything
- Expect the best from yourself
- Be an example for others to follow
- Do what you say you are going to do. You don't have to do everything, but do what you say you will do. If you do the Lord's will, He won't let you fail.
- Live close to the Spirit of the Lord
- Defy Gravity--don't let anything or anyone get you down. Don't allow the evil one to influence your choices
- Be service oriented
- Believe in yourself--remember who you are
- Work hard--be obedient--stand up for what you believe
- Be kind, and tolerant of others
- Philippians 2:3 reads, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
- Be Happy
- Enjoy the handiwork of God in the universe and the beauties of nature
- Look to the bright side of life
- See the good in others, and learn to forgive--have eyes to see and a heart to understand
- Associate and surround yourself with great people
- Be humble
- Love the Lord
- Follow his admonition to "Come, Follow Me"
- "Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."[6]
Now, back to the scripture in Ether--personalized:
"Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of [my] weakness before thee; for [I] know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that [I am] unworthy before thee; because of the fall [my] nature [has] become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given me a commandment that [I] must call upon thee, that from thee [I] may receive according to [my] desires.
"Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten [me] because of [my] iniquity, and hast driven [me] forth, and for these many years [I] have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto [me]. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from [me], and suffer not that [I] shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness;"
I often ask myself, and my Heavenly Father if I am learning the things He wants and needs me to learn through my experiences on this earth. I don't know for sure, but I hope I am. What I do know is that I am incredibly blessed. I know that I am His, that He loves me, and that He knows the righteous desires of my heart. And He knows you, and your desires as well. He is our greatest example, He is the Light of the world and He is our salvation.
I express to you my testimony of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of my Soul. I am grateful for the miracle of His atoning sacrifice for me, and for each of us. I pray that we may know the Savior when we see Him, because we will be like Him. May we be worthy of His richest blessings, and truly fit for His Kingdom, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Ensign, November 1985, pg. 5
[2] Ensign, November 1985, pg. 7-9
[3] No Doubt About It, p.142-143
[4] March 02, 1997, Come Unto Me, Jeffrey R. Holland
[5] Freedom of the Saints, 2:185
[6] 2 Nephi 31:20