M. Russell Ballard, one of the twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently gave some very interesting remarks at the commencement address at BYU Idaho.

He initially reminded us of this season of the world that is filled with war, arrogance, and wickedness. But then he told the graduates: “As you think about your future, you should be filled with faith and hope.”….. “Face the future with optimism. I believe we are standing on the threshold of a new era of growth, prosperity, and abundance. Barring a calamity or unexpected international crisis, I think the next few years will bring a resurgence in the economy as new discoveries are made in communication, medicine, energy, transportation, physics, computer technology, and other fields of endeavor. Many of these discoveries, as in the past, will be the result of the Spirit whispering insights into and enlightening the minds of truth-seeking individuals.”

I am learning to appreciate the wisdom of inspired utterances given by apostles and prophets earlier in my life. I am excited to see how Elder Ballard’s prophetic council will play out.