Sister Katherine Workman, Laie Hawaii Temple Matron, spoke on life’s “Defining Moments” in her devotional address Tuesday, October 16, 2012. Her focus centered on the effect certain events can have on our lives depending on how we choose to deal with them. “In each of our lives, there are events, moments if you like, where something happens that has a lasting impression in your mind and which affects the course of your choices in the future. I like to call these events, ‘Defining Moments.’ I suppose most people have them but perhaps many miss the dramatic effect Defining Moments have on their lives. To miss them, is to miss the influence of the Lord in your life.”
Sister Workman began her address in telling the story of Nephi and the moments that defined his life. She spoke of the trials he faced and that through the power of prayer he was able to turn a problem into a defining moment. “Nephi cried unto the Lord. He didn’t just pray, he cried unto the Lord… The result was—Nephi’s heart was softened and he gained a personal knowledge by the Holy Ghost, that the testimony of his father was true. For him, it was a Defining Moment. From that time forward he never viewed his father’s commandments the same.” Sister Workman teaches that this trial gave Nephi the strength to overcome future hardships and create a lasting character that centered on Christ.
Recounting a story of the past, Sister Workman spoke of a time when she was bed ridden due to a faulty surgery. During this time her youngest son Ryan returned from school very sick. Ryan was taken to the hospital where a number of tests were run to determine his illness; Sister Workman in her condition was unable to be with her son. Test after test Ryan remained in serious condition, the family knew nothing else but to give him a priesthood blessing. The following day Ryan made a full recovery. “When we looked back on the circumstances, we learned this was a Defining Moment in our lives. When all the efforts of loving parents are exhausted and when the best medical care available is not effective, what do we do? We turned our whole hearts and soul to our Savior and placed it all in His hands. Whatever is His will, from that time forward, we know is acceptable to us.”
Sister Workman reminded students that, “As long as we are steadfast in our covenants, the Lord will do for us what is best for us. In that we have absolute confidence.” She also taught that, “Defining moments are preceded by preparatory moments. If previously we have behaved properly, though tempted, or if we have been gentle, though irritated, and if we have reached out to help others, though beset with personal problems, as we meet the defining moments these reflexes will steady us.”
In closing, Sister Workman urged students to, “be vigilant and recognize your own Defining Moments. You all have had them and will have more. Write them. Remember them. Observe how these Defining Moments are the way the Lord is guiding your lives and blessing you with blessings promised you because of your faithfulness.”
See the complete Devotional address from October 16, 2012.
University Devotionals are held each Tuesday at 11 AM in the Cannon Activities Center. Previous Devotionals can be viewed or read at devotionals.byuh.edu.