In a Church Educational System fireside address Feb. 4, President Thomas S. Monson gave college-age young adults five points of reference for life's journey.

Speaking to some 23,000 college-age young adults assembled in the Marriott Center on BYU's campus and to thousands of others gathered in Church buildings throughout North America, President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, likened mortality to an airline flight. He spoke of the aircraft designed and constructed with painstaking care, the pre-planned course, the carefully-trained flight crew, the points of reference designated along a determined route, and the communications to assure the flight plan is being carefully followed. Also to be considered on a flight are such factors as wind shears that might hamper the flight, mountain tops to clear and other planes to avoid."So it is with all of us. We have left our Heavenly home. We have begun our mortal flight," President Monson said. "A plan has been made known, safeguards given and training provided to assure a safe flight and an on-time arrival at our destination - even the Celestial Kingdom of our Heavenly Father."

He suggested five points of reference to guide progress along the way:

- Honor your heritage. President Monson spoke of the Broadway musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," in which the Russian peasant Tevye wisely counseled his daughters who were making momentous decisions in their lives, "Remember, my dear ones, in Anatevka each one of you knows who she is and what God expects her to become."

President Monson added, "All of us in this far-flung audience this evening know who we are and what God expects us to become.

"We are reminded of family ties, personal sacrifice, living examples, lessons learned and love shown."

- Know who you are. "Sacred writ and prophetic revelations provide us knowledge of who we are, from whence we came and where we shall go when we depart mortality," President Monson said. "Baptism, confirmation, priesthood, mission, marriage and family are more than mere words. To you and me they are God-given directions for our safe flight.

"Let us remember that prayer is our passport to spiritual strength."

President Monson told the story of Joseph Millett, a mid-1800s stalwart of the gospel, who divided and gave part of his supply of flour to Newton Hall, whose family was in great need. When the recipient saw the flour, he began to cry. He explained he had tried other places to get flour, and finally went into the cedars and prayed. The Lord, he said, told him to go to Joseph Millett. President Monson said that Brother Millett responded, `Well, Brother Hall, you needn't bring this back if the Lord sent you for it. You don't owe me for it.' " President Monson said that Joseph Millett wrote in his journal: " `You can't tell how good it made me feel to know that the Lord knew that there was such a person as Joseph Millett.' "

To the congregation attending the fireside, President Monson said, "The Lord knows each one of us. He who notes the fall of the sparrow certainly knows His sons and daughters."

- Prepare for your flight. "You can't simply wish upon a star and have your dream come true," President Monson said. "Personal effort is required, and at times, grueling, concentrated labor will be necessary. There are no shortcuts. School is never `out,' for learning is an ongoing process. The ever-spiraling technology revolution demands refresher courses and the updating of one's skills. Gone are the idyllic, whimsical days of yesteryear. We cannot call them back."

President Monson further noted, "You may be tempted to shortcut your preparation. Discouragement can prompt depression. Should this occur, don't quit!"

He spoke of baseball's great home-run hitter Hank Aaron, who, as a boy, told his father he was going to quit school and go to work so he could play baseball. His father encouraged his son to remain in school. Hank Aaron's father had placed 50 cents on the table every day for Hank to buy his lunch, while he took only 25 cents for himself. Mr. Aaron explained that his son's education meant more to him than his own lunch. Hank Aaron said he never had too much difficulty staying in school after that.

"Learn how to study, how to retain what you hear and what you read, and how to apply that knowledge," President Monson said. "Learn to meet your challenges one day at a time. And make time serve you. Don't just spend time - utilize it."

- Fly on course. "Check in with Heavenly Father," President Monson told the congregation. "He is ever ready to guide and to inspire you. Unlike modern airports, He never shuts down or is hampered by weather.

"The channel of prayer is ever open. It is your reference point to enable you to fly safely through the calm and the turbulence of life's flight.

"Don't settle for less than you deserve. Once excellence has been viewed, one will never be content with mediocrity."

He quoted Luke 18:22, in which the Savior issued the invitation to "Come, follow me," and Matt. 11:29, in which He implored, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

President Monson told the students: "You have been endowed with divine attributes and God-given talents. Be yourself - but be your best self. Extend the helping hand to others. Serve the Lord with all your heart. Such will keep you on your heaven-charted course."

- Arrive safely. "Maturity brings a refinement to the human soul," he said. "Thought precedes actions, caution replaces daring, and judgment overcomes rashness. President Joseph Fielding Smith, even in his advanced years, always prayed, `May we be true and faithful to the end.' And that noble prophet was."

President Monson spoke of President J. Reuben Clark Jr., who had a great influence on his life. He told of having helped President Clark prepare a beautifully designed and framed page that contained his favorite scriptures. President Monson read some of those scriptures. One was Eccl. 12:13: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

Another was: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.)

Before concluding, President Monson reviewed the five reference points - honor your heritage, know who you are, prepare for your flight, fly on course and arrive safely. "Then you will be welcomed to your heavenly home, your eternal flight a success," he said. "Your plaudit is recorded in sacred scripture: `Well done,

thouT good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.' " (Matt. 25:21.)

President Monson was accompanied at the fireside by his wife, Frances. Also present were Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve and Church commissioner of education, and his wife, Kathleen. They were welcomed by BYU Pres. Merrill J. Bateman and his wife, Marilyn.

Music for the program was provided by the Ogden (Utah) institutes of religion combined choirs, directed by Jerry Simon and Don Castleton, and accompanied by Jennifer Gremillion and Jamille Butts.

Ned Hill, first counselor in the BYU 12th Stake presidency, conducted the meeting. President Monson was introduced by BYU 12th Stake Pres. Rodger D. Galland. Bill Taylor and Amy Kerce, students in the BYU 12th Stake, which was the fireside's host stake, offered the invocation and benediction, respectively.