Finding Joy in the Present

This morning started with a gloomy sky, the kind that makes it hard to leave the warmth of bed. The air was thick with humidity, and the clouds hung low, threatening rain. Yet, life doesn’t pause for weather or mood; there are things that need attention, and so I pushed myself to get up and face the day. 

The weather didn’t do much to lift my spirits, but as I sat by the pool, watching my kids splash and play, a wave of peace washed over me. There’s something magical about children’s laughter, the way it cuts through the gloom and fills the space with joy. In those moments, everything else fades into the background. It’s a reminder that even on the hardest days, there’s always a reason to smile.

But then, unbidden thoughts of my neighbors crept in, casting a shadow over my peace. It’s hard to understand how people can carry so much hatred in their hearts. We live in a world of diversity—different colors, languages, beliefs, and experiences. These differences are what make life rich and interesting, not something to fear or despise. Yet, there are those who see diversity as a threat, who let their lives be consumed by anger and bitterness. It’s sad, really. I can’t help but feel a deep sadness for them, knowing that a life filled with hate must be a miserable one.

As a parent, I want my kids to grow up in a world that values inclusivity, where they feel free to be themselves—creative, curious, and courageous. I want them to understand that it’s easy to be kind when life is good, but true character is revealed in hard times. It’s in those difficult moments that I hope they remain sweet, compassionate, and loving, never allowing hate to creep into their hearts.

I think about the absurd things my neighbors have done—throwing dog poop into our yard, pulling up a little girl’s plants, hurling racist slurs. It baffles me how anyone could behave this way. How do you look at a child and say something so hurtful? How do you let hate drive your actions? It’s sad to think that they live with this negativity every day, unable to see the beauty in our differences.

But as I sit here, my kids’ laughter pulls me back to the present. Their joy is contagious, and I find myself smiling, letting go of those negative thoughts. It’s not worth my energy to dwell on the hate of others. I’ll deal with the issues as they come, but I won’t let them dominate my thoughts. My time and energy are better spent here, with my kids, soaking in these precious moments.

The world is full of challenges, but it’s also full of beauty, love, and laughter. Today, I choose to focus on that. I’ll let the negative thoughts drift away and turn my attention to what really matters—my family and the simple joys of life. Tonight, we’ll have dinner together, and that’s where my thoughts will be—on what to cook, how to make the evening special, and how to continue finding joy, even on the gloomiest of days.