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Lessons from Elder Stevenson: Creating a vision and maintaining a balance for one’s life

Mario Barrientos celebrates after receiving his diploma during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Edler Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students listen to speakers, including Edler Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
A students from the LDS business college talks a selfie with her father while walking to the Tabernacle at Temple square for their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Edler Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets students arriving for the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college walk to the Tabernacle at Temple square for their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
President Bruce C. Kusch speaks during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
President Bruce C. Kusch speaks during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Joseph Justice moves his tassel from the right side to the left during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Joseph Justice listens to speakers during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students celebrate after receiving their diplomas during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Edler Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Brother R. Kelly Haws shakes hands with graduates during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Mario Barrientos celebrates after receiving his diploma during the commencement ceremony for the LDS Business College at the the Tabernacle at Temple square in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college walk to the Tabernacle at Temple square for their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college walk to the Tabernacle at Temple square for their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college celebrate their graduation at Tabernacle at Temple square after their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college celebrate their graduation at Tabernacle at Temple square after their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college celebrate their graduation at Tabernacle at Temple square after their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News
Students from the LDS business college celebrate their graduation at Tabernacle at Temple square after their commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News

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 at 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.

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 in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019.
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 in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 12, 2019. | Credit: Silas Walker, Deseret News, Deseret News

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's 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 bachelors and eventually I want to become a doctor if I can."

Huallanca 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.

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