“You do belong. You matter and you are loved. There is a place for you,” said Michelle Bennett, assistant vice president of information technology, as she delivered Tuesday’s devotional address.
Bennett taught that everyone has a place of belonging because of Jesus Christ. She emphasized that joy is possible in this life as we think celestial and focus on our dual heritage.
Quoting Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Bennett asked, “Is there not a place in His Church for all of God’s children? Even for those who feel unworthy, forgotten or alone?”
“Remember that you are God’s child and you do belong regardless of the rank of your secular achievements,” she continued. “There is no obstacle so high or gulf so great as could impede His efforts to reach you.”
Bennett highlighted the unique opportunity BYU provides through its combination of spiritual and secular learning. She came to BYU after working for many years and for her, it was an adjustment to start work meetings with a prayer and a spiritual thought. But Bennett acknowledged that she grew to love and appreciate how her religion found a place in her career.
“You are blessed with opportunities that enhance not only your academic skills, knowledge and experience but with opportunities to spiritually be nourished to prepare, serve, lead or influence others in the world,” Bennett said.
As Bennett focused on bringing her spirituality with her to work, she began to see that her foundation and testimony of Jesus Christ was fortified.
“Strength does not come from the height of the building but from the base,” Bennett taught.
Bennett testified that consistency in life can be found when Jesus Christ is the foundation of one’s testimony. She explained that in the technological world to which she has devoted her career, change is constant and innovation is continuous. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ is eternal, and God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
“In our quest for eternal life, we must work and study, organize our time to focus on key outcomes and reach out to others along the way,” Bennett taught. “We can easily get fixated on our busy schedules, responsibilities and the digital world while missing opportunities to focus on what gives us true joy. Remembering to keep Jesus Christ at the center of our lives helps us find joy.”
Bennett urged the audience to remember that even though it is valuable to work hard in secular endeavors, it is equally important to nurture our spiritual learning and provide equal effort to our temporal and spiritual progression.
Bennett concluded, “Even as you ride the roller coaster of life with its ups and downs, remember to keep Christ at the center of all you do. With that focus will come eternal joy.”
