BYU–Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright and his wife, First Lady Margaret Wheelwright, took turns sharing their personal insights about the importance of family at devotional on Tuesday, April 20.
First Lady Margaret Wheelwright spoke first, echoing her father’s final counsel before he died; she stated, "Family is the most important thing on this earth." She quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley and Sister Julie B. Beck, stating that family is essential and that we must fight for them. Sister Wheelwright concluded, "The family is not only the most important thing, it is central to God’s plan for us."
In searching for an eternal companion, Sister Wheelwright noted that a good marriage does not require two perfect people; rather, it requires the two partners committed to striving toward perfection together.
President Steven C. Wheelwright then took the podium, speaking candidly about how "Margaret made [him] a better person and that there was no one that [he] would rather be with." Of their courtship, he noted that he knew he would be blessed and that the Lord approved of the path they were on in their courtship. The love that he has for his wife has only grown stronger through the years.
President Wheelwright also listed several factors that have contributed to his family's happiness: respect, trust, honor, communication, and helping others.
In closing, he stated that the Lord's Plan of Happiness is based on the family, expressing the important role it plays in our lives and throughout eternity.
--Photo by Nathan Lehano
Click here to view the full transcript of President & Sister Wheelwright's devotional