The COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly moving. And while it may sound odd, I am supremely grateful. It’s beautiful to see people, communities, and organizations come together in so many ways — to embrace our shared humanity.

Of course, I don’t mean to trivialize in any way the real and deep distress of so many tens of thousands of people: the families, friends, and communities of the seriously ill, dying, and dead; the crushing financial burden of income loss and uncertainty; the medical professionals (and others) working double and triple shifts; the list of hardships and significant stressors is lengthy.

But despite all of that – perhaps even because of that, to a degree – there is an awakening, a softening, a return to normalcy and goodness. COVID shines a massive spotlight on a fundamental question: what really matters to us?

Is it the latest sporting event? Is it the fashion trends of today, gone tomorrow? Is it the latest technical gadget in 4k high definition resolution? Is it the money for which we work so desperately?

Or is it maybe something better, something sacred, something too often overlooked or neglected?

Is it our neighbor? Our family? Our God? Our connection to others?

In the Book of Mormon, a group of people feared greatly due to an invading army. A person of faith offered hope, he “went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but … should remember the Lord their God and He would deliver them.” And the next part, I just love: “Therefore they hushed their fears” (Mosiah 23:27–28).

This person did not hush their fears. He could not. But they did, individually and as a people. They remembered what truly matters, they remembered the teachings of their childhood, they remembered their Creator. And they hushed their own fears.

There is much about which we can be fearful. But let us remember the goodness of our Creator, the joy of each other, the love of family and companionship. And together, let us hush our fears and rejoice.