REXBURG, Idaho — Telling graduates of BYU-Idaho that "tomorrow … a new journey begins for you," President Thomas S. Monson offered "four guideposts to assist in your respective journeys through life."

Photo by Michael Lewis

Graduates of BYU-Idaho march in procession for 2003 summer commencement exercises
Aug. 22 in Rexburg, Idaho. Day's activities ended before high winds and storms struck the area.

"They are easily remembered. They are true friends to every traveler. First, glance backward; second, look heavenward; third, reach outward; and fourth, press onward."

President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, was the keynote speaker during BYU-Idaho's 2003 summer commencement exercises Aug. 22 in this southeastern Idaho town. Later that day, he dedicated the new Jacob Spori Building on campus. (Please see article in related link above.) Also speaking during both graduation and dedicatory services were Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve, Church Commissioner of Education; and BYU-Idaho President David A. Bednar.

During his address, President Monson commended graduates for their efforts and parents for their sacrifices. He then elaborated on his "four guideposts:"

• "Glance backward. A review of the past can be helpful — that is, if we learn from the mistakes and follies of those who have gone before, and if we do not repeat them."

Continuing, President Monson emphasized he was merely suggesting a glance at the past, "for it is not practical to think we can return." He then referred to Thornton Wilder's classic drama "Our Town," during which the character Emily Webb, who has died in childbirth, wishes to again experience the joys of life. "Before returning to her resting place, Emily laments, 'Do human beings ever realize life while they live it … every minute?'

"May each of us learn to appreciate the gift of life that we have been given, and may the lessons we learn as we glance backward help us to live more fully each day of our future."

• "Look heavenward." President Monson told graduates, "We've not been left to wander in darkness and in silence uninstructed, uninspired, without revelation." He then spoke of the blessings of receiving an education at an institution governed by the principles and ideals of the Church.

"Looking heavenward should be our lifelong endeavor. Some foolish persons turn their backs on the wisdom of God and follow the allurement of fickle fashion, the attraction of false popularity and the thrill of the moment. Their course of conduct resembles the disastrous experience of Esau, who exchanged his birthright for a mess of pottage.

"And what are the results of such action? I testify to you today that turning away from God brings broken covenants, shattered dreams and crushed hopes. Such a quagmire of quicksand I plead with you to avoid. You are of a noble birthright. Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal."

• "Reach outward. To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy."

President Monson counseled: "We may think as we please, but there is no question about what the Bible teaches. In the New Testament there is no road to the heart of God that does not lead through the heart of man."

He told of a neighbor, "Old Bob," whom he had known as a boy. "Old Bob came into our lives in an interesting way. He was a widower in his 80s when the house in which he was living was to be demolished. I heard him tell my grandfather his plight as the three of us sat on Grandfather's old front porch swing."

President Monson recalled how his grandfather listened as the elderly man said he had no place to go, then slowly reached into his pocket and removed an old leather purse. From it, he removed a key and handed it to Old Bob. "Bob, here is the key to that house I own next door. Take it. Move your things in there and stay as long as you like. There will be no rent to pay and nobody will ever put you out again."

Tears welled up in Old Bob's eyes, President Monson related. "Grandfather's eyes were also moist. I spoke no word, but that day my grandfather stood 10 feet tall. I was proud to bear his name."

• "Press onward. Whatever part you choose to play on the world stage, keep in mind that life is like a candid camera; it does not wait for you to pose."

President Monson explained: "Press onward we must, for we understand full well that attacking is not solving. Complaining is not thinking. Ridiculing is not reasoning. Accountability is not for the intention but for the deed. No man is proud simply of what he intends to do. Let us not be deceived."

He added: "Great men have not been merely dreamers and great women likewise; they have returned from their visions to the practicalities of replacing the airy stones of their dream castles with solid masonry wrought by their hands. Vision without work is daydreaming. Work without vision is drudgery. Vision, coupled with work, will ensure your success."

In his brief remarks, Elder Eyring said: "When you look back on this day, and you will, I hope you will remember the satisfaction of being a finisher. You stayed with a hard task and made the requirements for graduation and you finished …. You learned that you are a finisher."

He reminded graduates of the Lord's help in their lives. "The Lord is your faithful friend."

President Bednar reminded graduates of the need for courage and said, "I testify and I promise that the courage you will need can be invited into your life through fervent prayer and through diligent study of the Book of Mormon."

This year thus far, 2,491 students have graduated from BYU-Idaho, with 436 receiving degrees during graduation exercises Aug. 22. And for the first time, BYU-Idaho announced its first "eight semester graduates," a new incentive program announced by President Bednar in which students completing requirements for bachelor's degrees within eight semesters receive a $500 cash award. Four "eight semester graduates" were honored.

E-mail: julied@desnews.com