What Mattered Most

By Lala Sorenson. May 27, 2018

Due to the tropical storm warning (Alberto) last night, church was canceled today. We had already spent most of yesterday together, and by 7:00 a.m. the girls were feeling it. All three were already getting on each other’s nerves.

Last night, Carl suggested we hold our Sunday service at home. The girls immediately began preparing lessons, each claiming a room as her own and declaring it off-limits to everyone else. It didn’t take long for disagreements to break out—everyone wanted to be the teacher.

That morning, I had been reading the article “To Women: Doing Better Doesn’t Mean Doing More,” and it stayed with me. I also thought of President Russell M. Nelson’s conference message, where he urged us to learn how to receive revelation. He taught that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” Spiritual guidance is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Sister Sharon Eubank once shared that when life felt overwhelming, she began asking the Lord each morning, “What is one thing You want me to do today?” She calculated that following just one inspired prompting a day for 50 years would result in 18,250 things the Lord trusted her to do. That thought stayed with me—how meaningful even one small, inspired act can be.

So I decided to try it.

I prayed, hoping for clarity. I often struggle to tell the difference between my own thoughts and inspiration, so I trusted that as I moved forward, the Lord would either guide me clearly or confirm my actions.

As I looked around, I noticed my little Talia sitting on a step stool in the kitchen—arms crossed, eyes swollen from crying, clearly upset. When I asked what was wrong, she didn’t answer. I offered her a hug, and to my surprise, she accepted. Normally, she prefers space when she’s upset.

She climbed onto my lap, and as I held and gently rocked her, I sang “Heavenly Father Loves Me.” Tears filled my eyes as I felt unmistakably that this was the one thing the Lord wanted me to do. I felt His deep love for my daughter—and for me. Of all the things He could have asked of me that day, the answer was simple: love your child.

Soon, her tears were replaced with a soft smile. She hopped down and returned to preparing her lesson—happy and cheerful once again.

I know that our Father in Heaven loves us deeply. He wants us to be happy. When we ask in faith, with humility and a willing heart, He will guide us to what matters most - love. And in those moments, we are filled with His love.