Reading BYU's commencement recap on the church's website I came across this quote:

“Among all of the possible, worthy purposes for education and training, I hope you have either come with or developed since being here one desire above all others,” Elder Christofferson said. And that (desire) is to build your capacity to serve your fellowman. A desire to serve born of appreciation, respect, and love for others will provide the fulfillment you seek.”

As I approach my own graduation, I have been contemplating what it means that I have gained this education. I had planned to continue to study--to devote another five years of my life to studying my field. Now I wonder. What would be the benefit? How would a PhD enrich my life? What does the Lord want me to do? I don't have the answers to that question but I have found as I consider what my education means I realize that my desire to serve has been increased as Elder Christofferson has counseled. I have a stronger desire to serve my family because I can see how much they need a mother. I have a much better appreciation of my role in my family life because so often I am pulled away from it. 

I also see a need for my writing in the world. I feel a strong desire to use words to enrich the lives of other people. I love language. When I read scriptures about the Word, about the power of the Word, I feel an intense hope in the power to overcome the adversary through language. The big issue these days is how to balance. How do I balance my need for a job, my need to write and my need to serve my family and my ward? Again, I don't have an answer. I think many women struggle with these tensions. 

Another quote from the BYU commencement:

“Though men’s hearts are failing them, you should take heart. There have always been challenging times,” Elder Oaks said. “We, the generations of your predecessors, have survived daunting challenges and so will you. The answer to all of these challenges is the same is it has always been. We have a Savior, and He has taught us what we should do.”

I'm so grateful that in these challenges I know in whom I have trusted.