Devotional: President Reese and Sister Reese

Sister Wendy Reese and President C. Shane Reese welcomed students and employees back from winter break in the first devotional of 2026.

Photo by Abby Shelton/BYU

Sister Reese

After expressing her excitement for being back on campus, Sister Reese began her remarks with a story. In her attempt to meet President Reese for lunch one day, she and her children got lost due to miscommunication of a street name and a lack of a GPS. Luckily, her husband was able to get to a phone to help her find her way.

Sister Reese likened her experience to that of a mortal one. She reminded listeners that, through the restored gospel, they know the covenant path but may not know all the small things along the way, like who to marry or what career path to choose.

“You are right in the thick of what Elder Robert D. Hales once called the ‘decade of decision.’ You have a lot of choices in front of you — choices that can and will shape the contours of your life."

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Sister Reese proposed three ways to identify directions from heaven, coined “the heavenly GPS.”

1. Trust in the plan.
2. Pray.
3. Follow the covenant path.

Sister Reese concluded her message by sharing, “I promise that [God] will help direct your paths as you exercise good judgment and move forward with faith. The destination that God has in store for you is far greater than anything you can imagine.”

President Reese

President Reese spoke of the Christmas season, the opportunity to focus on the Savior’s condescension and the light that is brought to BYU campus through combined faith and testimony. He focused his speech on the lives of Presidents Jeffrey R. Holland and Dallin H. Oaks, former presidents of BYU and prophets, seers and revelators.

“They walked where you walk," President Reese said. "Their paths, like yours, were not paved for them. Their households weren’t picture perfect. But their faith in the Lord was and is extraordinary.”

Photo by Rebeca Fuentes/BYU

He shared multiple experiences from both President Holland’s and President Oaks’ lives, all leading back to the truth they lived by: through Christ, good things are to come.

President Reese expanded on President Holland’s life, specifically his early years at BYU as a student. In a time of struggle, President Holland's wife reminded him that he was right where he was meant to be and that he should keep on trying.

Through this story and countless others, President Holland taught the importance of always believing and to never give up, even in the face of trials.

President Reese then highlighted President Oaks’ difficult childhood and his success as President of BYU, reminding listeners of his perseverance, his continuing discipleship and his advocacy for peace.

“I pray that you will make the very most of your time at Brigham Young University. Become something. Become a disciple. Make the most of this semester, this week, this day.”

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In closing, President Reese admonished students to remember that their purpose for being at the university is not just to read books or attend class, but it is to become and to endure for the good things ahead. He bore testimony of the support each listener has from him, from apostles and prophets, from the Savior and from God.