Graduation Speech May 2009

For several years I have been involved in theater, first as an actress then, more recently, as a theater technician. My favorite part of theater is the lighting. When the entire auditorium is dark and I am standing in a single spotlight, it is so easy to believe that I am alone. If that circle of light made up my whole conception of the world, then I would eventually begin to feel as if I were trapped or missing something. The only way to discover more, and broaden my perception is to take a risk and ste3p out of the familiar, lit area of the spotlight into the dark. By taking that step, I might discover that I was on the edge of the stage, and I may find myself falling. I also might find that there is nothing but more stage, and to find something more interesting, I have to take further steps. Either way, by taking a blind step, I have learned more about my surroundings.
Our Heavenly Father has prepared for us “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.” He offers us these treasures if we trust in him enough to follow his commandments.
In the Book of Mormon, Moroni defines one simple step that can help broaden our spotlights of knowledge. “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that you would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true.” Asking God, in theory, is a simple enough request. When confronted with the question, “Is it too much for you to take a minute or two out of your day to really get to know your God?” often the response is, “no, that’s not too much to ask,” yet, so often Heavenly Father is forgotten as we speed through daily tasks. The impact of such a simple oversight is devastating. God give us a promise, “and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” Don’t get so stuck in your narrow spotlight that you forget there are much greater treasures outside your limited knowledge.
Another step toward treasures of knowledge is given in John 5:39 “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” Simple stated, studying the scriptures strengthens testimony and helps us to know Christ.
Too many people are settling for what they have and who they are. They don’t realize their own power to achieve, ultimately, everything that is good in this world, let alone the eternal blessings they are capable of obtaining. They are too afraid of falling off the edge to step out of their confining spotlight into the undiscovered stage. This is where our careful study and prayer becomes so important. After we have found knowledge, what does it profit us by hoarding it, keeping it to ourselves? “For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” Seek out those who need your knowledge to broaden their own testimonies and find their own hidden treasures.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” I have discovered that, the greater treasures of knowledge I seek, the more able I am to be an example or an ambassador for Christ. Having an understanding of how anything in life works makes it more possible for one to move forward and make what exists better. Learn everything about your stage. Keep discovering until your entire auditorium is illuminated and the world outside the doors of your auditorium, until you have obtained your heavenly treasures and are worthy to live and progress in the presence of God.