“Great Things Await You!"

It is such a privilege to be able to visit with you today! In my prior calling as Young Women General President, I have traveled to many of your countries and cities. I’ve been in your chapels, and I have also traveled the distance it takes to get to the chapel for many of you. I know it’s not easy to juggle everything you are doing and then, at the end of a long day, study through BYU-Pathway Worldwide. But, just as the name suggests, you are on a pathway that will not only change you for the better but change future generations. I want you to know your choice is inspired, and you belong here at this very time. And, as the Lord has promised each of us in the Doctrine and Covenants, “Great things await you." 1

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Doctrine and Covenants 45:62

Great things await those who prepare

A world-class runner named Juma Ikangaa was interviewed by reporters after he crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon in record time. When asked how he had accomplished such a feat, he simply said, “The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." 2

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Michael Sandrock, “Juma Ikangaa,” in Running with the Legends (1996), 403–420

Each of you are choice spirits who have been reserved and prepared to be on the earth when the opposition is the greatest but also when the opportunities are the greatest. Winston Churchill once said: “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour." 3

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Winston S. Churchill, “Quotable Quotes,” Goodreads, accessed Mar. 16, 2021. www.goodreads.com

You are being tapped on the shoulder, and your education will prepare you for the great opportunities that lie ahead.

Great things await those who endure

Several years ago now, I went running with my husband. Toward the end of our run, we reached a long, steep hill. As we started up the hill, I watched as my husband sprinted ahead. Halfway up the hill, I was exhausted and I knew I couldn’t go any further. So I called to him and said that I was going to turn around and run back to the car and wait for him there. I hadn’t gone very far when I felt my husband’s hand on my shoulder. He stopped me and said, “Elaine, don’t you know that you never make a decision to turn around or give up when you are in the middle of a hill?” Then he took my hand, and we ran together to the top. Once there, I realized that I would have missed the beautiful view of the city below and the stunning sunrise to the east had I turned around. I would have missed the feeling of elation and accomplishment that comes from doing hard things. I learned a great lesson that day from my husband in the middle of a very steep hill: Never make a decision to turn around or give up when you are in the middle of a hill. Great things await those who endure.

Great things await those who keep their covenants

Because you made covenants when you were baptized a member of the Church, you are never alone. You have been given the sacred gift of the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion. Think of it! The third member of the Godhead to teach, warn, comfort, help you make decisions, and bring all things to your remembrance. And He is so close to you, He is within whispering distance. Great things await each of you as you keep your covenants and remain worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Great things await those who remain faithful

I will never forget the spirit I felt one morning in Ghana, Africa, where several young women walked to the chapel to have a visit with me. They came with dust on their sandals and the bottoms of their skirts, having walked a long distance to the church. The spirit I felt was so strong as each young woman entered the room. As we visited, I asked them to tell me about their family, their school, and something special and unique about themselves. We laughed and bonded, and I loved each of those valiant young women. Then, I asked them to tell me what was hard for the young women in Ghana, and the room went silent. No one spoke. I waited. Silence. I assured them I wouldn’t tell the prophet but, still, there was silence. Finally, one young woman in the back of the room stood so regally and so tall she looked like a queen, and she said “Yes, Sister Dalton, it is true. The young women in Africa have many challenges. But, Sister Dalton, we have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.”

There in a room in Ghana, I was changed forever by a young woman’s faith. Yes, it may be hard and it may be uphill, but we have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! Prepare well. Keep going. Don’t quit. Keep your covenants and remain faithful because I testify, “Great things await you." 4

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Doctrine and Covenants 45:62

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.