'A significant day'
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Smiles spread across the faces of graduating students as they entered the packed Marriott Center April 23 for Brigham Young University's spring commencement exercises. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees were awarded to a total of 6,192 students from more than 70 countries around the world.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve were the commencement speakers. Other Church leaders at the service included Elder D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., BYU president and member of the Seventy, and Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
During the commencement service, President Uchtdorf received an honorary doctorate of international leadership for his constant service in profession, community, family and church.
"I love this university," said President Uchtdorf. "I am both humbled and grateful to receive this honorary degree. It will link my family even closer to this wonderful institution."
After receiving the honorary doctorate, President Uchtdorf addressed students, faculty and their families during the commencement exercises.
"Today is a significant day of change for all of you," President Uchtdorf said. "It is a day of closing and opening doors. It is a day of gratitude and rejoicing, a day of acknowledgement of our many debts to God, family and friends."
In his address, President Uchtdorf spoke of three things that will help students as they embark on a new era of their lives. He encouraged graduating students, first, to use time wisely, second, continue to learn and, third, seek the Spirit always.
Use time wisely
Of using time wisely, President Uchtdorf counseled the graduating students to evaluate what they are spending their time doing and to take inventory of the things that really matter. He spoke of the "noble art of getting things done" and "the even nobler art of leaving things undone" (Lin Yutang, "The Importance of Living").
President Uchtdorf suggested that an evaluation of one's time can help dismiss habits and nonessential things that clutter time, as well as encourage activities that add meaning and joy to life.
"Sometimes we make the mistake of neglecting the essentials of life," he said. He then gave the example found in Matthew 23:23 that includes the Savior's harsh words for the scribes and Pharisees of His day for having omitted "the weightier matters of the law, [justice], mercy, and faith."
"Although the Savior's words were directed to a specific audience thousands of years ago, they apply to us as well today," President Uchtdorf said.
He spoke of the commonality of time, that every person has the same time allotment each day, but the difference is how the time is used.
"Even though we may have wasted time yesterday, there is hope," President Uchtdorf said. "There is a full day waiting for us today and tomorrow."
Even in a world with so much going on, prioritizing and goal setting help people use their time wisely, President Uchtdorf said.
"Continue to set and work toward temporal and spiritual goals," he counseled. "These may include goals to give of your talents, of your time, and of your means for the weightier matters in life. Such goals will guide your decisions about how best to use your time."
Continue to learn
Graduation, for many, means a close to formal education; President Uchtdorf spoke of the importance of continuing education.
"My dear young friends, never stop learning, and never stop using what you learn to serve God and your fellow men," he urged.
In addition to encouraging the audience to obtain as much schooling as possible, President Uchtdorf spoke of the importance of broadening and extending one's horizons of learning and interest.
"Walk through life with open eyes and ears," he admonished. "The prophet Mormon as a child was described as one who was quick to observe. He was told to remember the things that he had learned by observing the things around him" (see Mormon 1:2-3).
Even when times are difficult, a strong desire to learn and a willingness to work hard provide great opportunities, President Uchtdorf taught. He spoke of the Lord's admonition to the saints in Kirtland to educate themselves even in difficult and challenging times (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:78-80).
"You and I cannot know everything. There is, however, One who does know all, who understands all, who created all," President Uchtdorf said. "Because He is our Father, He has an intense interest in our education. He knows what we need to learn to fulfill our mission in life. Let us always be His students."
Seek the Spirit always
"As you know, there are plenty of winds and storms in the world today that attempt to blow you off course," President Uchtdorf noted. "In order to continue the course you have begun here at Brigham Young University, you need a spiritual polar star in your life. You need a point of reference that has eternal consistency and reliability."
The companionship of the Holy Ghost is that stable and dependable guide, President Uchtdorf said.
"Always be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost."
Further, he admonished, "Do nothing without the Spirit of God. The presence of the Spirit of God will bring focus, certainty and confidence into your life."
Living by the Spirit is crucial to physical and spiritual aspects of life, giving guidance at all times and in all places in which direction one must take, President Uchtdorf taught.
"You are a marvelous generation. You are blessed beyond measure. The world needs you and your goodness. Great opportunities await you. Do not fear. God is with you; have faith. Use your time wisely, continue to learn, and always live worthy to have the Spirit with you."
