“Could We Have Supposed?” | Jack N. Gerard

Описание: Elder Jack N. Gerard uses examples from his life and from the scriptures to show how the Lord directs our lives in ways that we could not have supposed.

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"My dear brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you today. I would like to thank Brother Richardson for his kind introduction and all others who support the mission of this extraordinary institution. I am grateful that Sister Gerard and a few family members and friends could join us today. While we are broadcasting from the Marriott Center, it feels a little lonely without each of you in attendance. I must say I was looking forward to seeing your countenances and feeling your spirits. You are an inspiring and remarkable group of individuals. But I am also glad to know that you are following prophetic direction, and I join President Russell M. Nelson in inviting your prayers for those who are suffering as we protect against the spread of COVID-19. Thanks for all you do to appropriately minister to others during this temporary, uncertain time. During this moment of pause when we seek the calming influence of the Lord, I encourage you to take some quiet time to reflect deeply on how you “Hear Him.”1 I hope my message today may be of assistance as you pursue your education but may also have broader application during these challenging times.

I must admit I had never been on this campus until my oldest son expressed an interest in playing lacrosse here some years ago. I was very impressed on my first visit and now proudly declare that five of eight children are graduates, and number six is close. In looking back, I would never have imagined what this experience would do to shape their lives and build a Christ-centered foundation to prepare for the world in which we live. Thanks to all who make it possible.

“How Great Reason Have We to Rejoice”
When I received this assignment, I wondered what practical counsel I could share that may be of value to each of you. My mind raced back to my early adult years, when I struggled to get through school. It was during this time that I met Sister Gerard. We were working in Washington, DC, where we spent thirty-eight years of our lives. We completed our courtship, from introduction to marriage, in seven short months and felt strong spiritual promptings to move our lives forward. When we commenced our lives together, we committed to each other to make the gospel of Jesus Christ and its attendant responsibilities our top priority. We immediately started our family, and I worked full-time while attending school at night. Six straight years in night school allowed me to complete both an undergraduate degree and a law degree. By the time we were finished, we were expecting our third child, had taught early-­morning seminary, had served in a bishopric, and, quite frankly, were exhausted.

It was during this time that we received an anonymous letter—I assume from a well-­intentioned individual—that criticized our approach to life and suggested that we were making serious mistakes by working hard, trying to complete school, having a family, and serving in the Church. The writer indicated that our priorities were all wrong. This was a particularly vulnerable time for us because we had very few resources and no real ability to relieve the pressure unless we ignored the impressions we had felt, adjusted our commitments, and gave up on our priorities. But even more troubling was the realization that someone near to us was so observant and critical. Today you may not receive an anonymous letter—that is more for my generation—but your equivalent experience may be a public social media post that, while not specifically sent just to you, makes you feel it is directed at you.

While we experienced moments of joy in our journey, the anonymous letter contributed to our anxious moments when we questioned ourselves and the decisions we had made and wondered how we were ever going to make it through—­perhaps not dissimilar to feelings you have experienced on occasion. As difficult as it was for our young family, we now look back in humble amazement, as we could never have imagined how it was all possible. While in the crucible of the moment, our path was not always clear. We were not certain that our efforts would pay off. We wondered aloud if it was all worth it."