I can be sitting at my desk, deeply engrossed in thinking of a serious crisis the world is facing, my mind spiraling in never-ending circles, like water going down a drain. And as I contemplate the seemingly unsolvable issue that has my attention, if I am not careful the problem can consume my morning.

Like beef jerky – the more I chew on it, the tougher it gets. Sigh … such is the life of a responsible adult.

But suddenly, out of the blue, I hear the happy-go-lucky giggle of a toddler at play. And the murky gray space around me seconds before suddenly lightens just a little.

A child’s laughte...