Elder Stevenson Tells LDSBC Graduates to Strive for Vision and Balance in Life
Contributed By Aubrey Eyre, Church News staff writer
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets students arriving for the commencement ceremony for LDS Business College at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019.
Article Highlights
- Balancing life’s responsibilities can be difficult, but the gospel helps us make priorities.
- Adjust your vision as needed as your circumstances change.
- Trust Jesus Christ to lead you and be on your side.
“There may be times when your vision seems obscured by a foggy path or you may lose your balance. But … you are sons and daughters of a loving God … and so, you have an inexhaustible, divine source of strength in our beloved Savior—even Jesus Christ.” —Elder Gary E. Stevenson
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Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about balance and vision during the 132nd LDS Business College commencement ceremony on April 12 in the Tabernacle on Temple Square.
He told 498 graduates to balance the important responsibilities in their lives while maintaining a broad perspective or vision.
By following the plan and path of the Lord, “[He] will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you,” Elder Stevenson said.
Quoting from President Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Stevenson identified four key responsibilities for the graduates to balance. “First, we have a responsibility to our families. Second, we have a responsibility to our employers. Third, we have a responsibility to the Lord’s work. And fourth, we have a responsibility to ourselves,” Elder Stevenson said.
Creating a balance between these elements, along with having a clear vision of what they mean for the future, allows the various facets of life to come together and work smoothly, Elder Stevenson said.
But simply having a vision isn’t enough, he said. From time to time, along the path of life, “our vision needs to be adjusted,” Elder Stevenson said.
“There may be times when your vision seems obscured by a foggy path or you may lose your balance,” Elder Stevenson said. “But … you are sons and daughters of a loving God … and so, you have an inexhaustible, divine source of strength in our beloved Savior—even Jesus Christ.” And knowing that the Lord is “on your side” will “help you live your life with clear vision and steady balance,” Elder Stevenson concluded.
Jill Anna Kaiser, a student graduation speaker, said having a vision for the future and working to maintain a balance of one’s responsibilities are not always easy. Sometimes, she said, the right path can feel like the steepest path. But by including the Savior and His gospel perspective throughout the twists and turns of life, success can be found, even when it is unexpected.
Rodrigo Huallanca, a student from Peru who just completed his associate degree at LDSBC, said graduating feels like the beginning of that vision.
“My time here has given me a better vision for who I want to become,” he said. “I am going to university next to get my bachelor’s, and eventually, I want to become a doctor, if I can.”
Haullanca explained that a key part of finding his vision and balance has come through learning how to learn by the Spirit. “The spirit helps reveal all that we can do in life,” he said.
The LDSBC graduating class included 177 international students. LDSBC President Bruce C. Kusch conducted the graduation ceremonies.
Students listen to speakers, including Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during the commencement ceremony for LDS Business College at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
LDS Business College students celebrate their graduation at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
An LDS Business College graduate takes a selfie with her father while walking to the Tabernacle on Temple Square for her commencement ceremony. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the commencement ceremony for LDS Business College at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
President Bruce C. Kusch speaks during the commencement ceremony for LDS Business College at the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
Students from LDS Business College walk to the Tabernacle on Temple Square for their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
Students from LDS Business College celebrate their graduation after their commencement ceremony on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
Mario Barrientos celebrates after receiving his diploma during the commencement ceremony for LDS Business College at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
LDS Business College students celebrate their graduation on Friday, April 12, 2019. Photo by Silas Walker, Deseret News.
