Elder Patrick Kearon invites all to find peace and rest, even in tumultuous times
Elder Kearon addressing the crowd for Education Week's devotional. He spoke about finding peace and rest in busy times. (Haley McIlroy)
Elder Patrick Kearon spoke at BYU for the Tuesday devotional during Educational Week 2026. His message invited listeners to take the time for peace and spend devoted time resting.Following a prayer, musical number by two BYU faculty members, C.J. Madsen and Alex Woods and a brief introduction by President Reese; Elder Kearon began by addressing many of the attendees of Education Week about their reasons for attending.“Your very presence here at BYU Education Week defines you by several measures as a high achiever, perhaps even an over-achiever. Here you are for a few days with literally a thousand classes to choose from!” Elder Kearon said. “You have elected to spend your sparse spare time in the very worthy pursuit of continuing education and seeking further light and knowledge. You may have been described before in your life as a chronic over-achiever. You know who you are!”
Attendees from BYU's Education Week taking notes during Elder Kearon's address. The Marriott center was about half full. (Haley McIlroy)
Elder Kearon spoke about a study done in collaboration by several prestigious universities entitled, “Goals Gone Wild” where researchers examined the effects of goal setting on people. They stated that goals do help people achieve more but it also made it less enjoyable. Simply by measuring the output turned an otherwise enjoyable activity into work. Elder Kearon pointed to the Sagrada Familia, a basilica in Barcelona that has been under construction for over 100 years, as an example of patience and trust in God’s timing.“This kind of patience is essential when one is building cathedrals, but leaving things unfinished doesn’t jibe with our productivity-fixated culture. We’re in spectacular hurries to get things done, to optimize and perfect and polish off so we can move on to the next. We like our projects shipped, our Apple Watch rings closed,” Elder Kearon said.There is virtue in getting things done, Elder Kearon said, but it is also important not to put life on hold until all of the problems are resolved. There is a measure of joy in personal accomplishment, but that can put the individual at the center of the space that the Savior is meant to occupy.“The quest to achieve goals is particularly tantalising because so much of this striving can be good. We are children of God made to create and progress and grow. But achievement for the sake of achieving does not result in a lasting peace,” Elder Kearon said.Elder Kearon incorporated a variety of short videos, poetry and music into his devotional, inviting all to “Slow Down” and appreciate life in slow motion.
Sissel and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square - Slow Down
“Do you have a demanding calling that makes Sabbath rest difficult? Well, so do I,” Elder Kearon said as the crowd laughed with him. “But I have found it is a matter of definition. What do you seek from your Sabbath rest? What constitutes rest for you? Could you dedicate some deliberate Sabbath rest time on another day of the week?”“If I have a wish for you, it is that you find peace in your actual life — not the life you think you would have if you were able to finish your to-do list, have three extra hours in a day, and finally achieve your goals. My wish is that you and I might slow down and turn more easily and comfortingly to Christ, and bask in His promised peace,” Elder Kearon said.He then prepared a list of bullet points and a to-do list, only to leave them all blank. The crowd applauded as Elder Kearon wrapped up his address.“Look at those words. We pray. We are filled — by Him. He bestows. Not one of them is a word for achievement,” Elder Kearon said. “I am not saying that charity asks nothing of us. It asks a very great deal! It deserves our best and our most prolonged effort.”Elder Kearon completed his address by bearing his testimony and leaving all with a blessing of comfort and the ability to find rest.
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