Shayla Bott, professor and associate dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications, addressed the campus community in a BYU devotional today. She invited the audience to become more “artful” in their living by making their time special through slowing down.
Drawing on the concept of art as “making special,” Bott explained that art is not limited to objects of beauty or skill but can be found in everyday actions that are given extra care and meaning. She applied this idea to how individuals choose to spend their time.
“Slowing doesn’t mean giving up on worthy goals and ideals,” Bott said. “It means widening your view and pausing long enough to notice what’s already there.”
Bott shared several simple ways she practices slowing in her own life, such as arriving on campus early to enjoy quiet moments, reading from a physical book rather than a device and walking to her destination without headphones. While these moments might appear unproductive, she explained that intentionally slowing down can create space to align one’s life with God’s will.
Her message also pointed to the example of Jesus Christ. Though the Savior lived a busy life of ministry, Bott noted that He often paused to minister to individuals along the way.
“Many of the miracles Christ performed happened when he was busy on His way to do something else, but took the time to stop and minister to those who needed Him,” she said.
Bott acknowledged that students, like the Savior and His apostles, often feel overwhelmed by busy schedules. She encouraged listeners to seek out “solitary places,” or moments and spaces where they can step away from distraction and connect with God through practices such as temple worship, Sabbath observance and morning scripture study.
She then described a three-step pattern of spiritual development that slowing has created in her own life.
First, Bott explained that slowing creates interior space that allows individuals to act deliberately rather than reactively. By removing distractions and becoming more available to God, disciples can better hear and follow spiritual promptings.
Prayer, she said, is not only about speaking to God through prayer but also about taking the time to listen. Through quiet moments of reflection, individuals can receive personal revelation and feel the guiding influence of the Spirit. Quoting President Russell M. Nelson, she reminded listeners, “There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you.”
Second, Bott taught that slowing can consecrate efforts to become true disciples of Christ. Spiritual growth occurs through small, consistent choices to follow the Savior, including repenting when necessary.
“Slowing fosters the ability to be agents unto ourselves as we practice following in the Savior’s footsteps, instilling Godly confidence and spiritual self-reliance,” Bott said.
She noted that just as spiritual progress happens gradually through small acts of faith, spiritual drift can occur slowly as well. Taking time for reflection allows individuals to examine their lives, recognize needed changes and remain on the covenant path.
Finally, Bott explained that slowing helps individuals “let God prevail” in their lives. Referencing President Nelson’s teachings about the house of Israel, she emphasized the importance of willingness in choosing to allow God to guide one’s life.
Slowing down, she said, creates the space needed for deeper conversion and helps disciples move beyond simply appearing faithful to truly becoming covenant-keeping followers of Jesus Christ.
Bott concluded by encouraging students to combine their spiritual and secular learning as they seek greater connection with the Savior.
“I know life can be difficult, but it is easier with Christ,” Bott testified. “He knows you and loves you more than you can understand. He will nurture you and He will heal you.”
She invited listeners to find small and simple ways to seek the Lord more intentionally, promising that doing so will bring greater guidance, rest and fulfillment.
