Richard Hawks spoke at the Orem Institute on Friday, Feb. 22, speaking to the students about prioritizing their lives. He spoke of some important things that each person needs to do to be happy in life, despite busy schedules and lack of funds. He said, "There is not enough time in the day for you to do everything you need to do, but there are four things you need to do." Brother Hawks read from a book called Not By Bread Alone, written by Bryant S. Hinckley, father of President Gordon B. Hinckley. In a section entitled "A Balanced Life" brother Hawks read the four things he feels every student needs to do in life. "Be glad of life, because it gives you a chance to love, to work, to play, to look up at the stars … "
The four most important things everyone needs in their life are love, work, play and meditation, as Brother Hawks informed students. Though work is necessary to survive in this life, and every person needs time to play, relax and meditate, his focus for this devotional was the subject of love. He spoke of love "not in the romantic way, but as it pertains to those around us." He again read from the book where Hinckley had written, "Love warms the heart, it sweetens and gladdens life … we cannot live without it. " He then asked the students to reflect on the question, "How much do I love and serve others?"
On this note, Brother Hawks began to illustrate his point. "Are you developed to the point that love comes beyond assignment? When you see the needs that other people have, are you motivated to do something to help?" He asked several such questions, allowing the students time to reflect. He then said, "If you want god to have mercy on you, have mercy on one another." He also pointed out that the more a person feels compassion on others, the closer that person is to God. "We have to notice the suffering of other people."
Brother Hawks spoke of how he had walked around a university’s campus, similar to ours, and was amazed to find almost every student on a cell phone. There were no smiles or greetings exchanged because people were more interested in their cell phones than those around them. To be able to see the needs of others and help them, it will require getting off cell phones and noticing people around you as you walk down the hallways. It requires thinking about more than just yourself: "You all have the means to help God’s children."
Brother Hawks spoke of endless examples of serving others and showing love. He highly suggested that every student look for opportunities to do service for those around them. He ended by encouraging students, saying, "Look to your lives to see if they are balanced and to see the things that God would have you do."
Brother Hawks gave great inspiration and motivation to the students who heard his devotional speech. His encouragement and his plea for each student to love those around them was something needed among the students at UVU. Every student has the chance to serve another, and every student should look for the opportunity to do so.
To hear other great devotional speakers, come to the institute every Friday at noon where there will be great speakers, enjoyable company, and good food. Everyone is welcome at the institute.
