The Point of It All

The Point Of It All

John Paul Derryberry

The previous weekend revived nostalgia and old friendships. This weekend was about creating new memories while wrangling the vibrant energy of four exuberant children during a sleepover. Both weekends underscore what truly matters: genuine relationships and unforgettable experiences. These moments led me to reflect on how relentless striving for growth can breed widespread discontent, even as life continues. We are left feeling unsatisfied, distracted by misplaced priorities, and prone to friction, which can erode relationships in our communities.

This sense of imbalance is familiar to many; it's common to feel trapped in a cycle of comparison and restlessness, patterns often sculpted by our broader culture. Building on these realizations, recent weekends shifted my perspective, reminding me that the real value in life is found in relationships. It’s tempting to think that appreciating what we have means suppressing ambition, but that's not my point. Ambition is valuable, and dismissing it can also feel limiting. Life is not simple, and there are countless ways to thrive without exhausting ourselves.

Reflecting on all this, my main point is straightforward: we should focus on what truly matters—deep, meaningful connections—and release pursuits that don’t support this. For me, this perspective is intensely personal; losing my father at fourteen and my best friend at seventeen revealed early on what’s most important, a lesson many discover later or never at all. Still, I'm motivated by ambition in my field, working to enhance social work, emotional and mental health, and community building—passions that have inspired me since I began. But I also believe in infusing joy and playfulness into the journey. Ultimately, no one regrets experiencing too much joy.

Looking back on these recent weekends, I'm reminded of the enduring truth that nurturing relationships and uplifting those around us are life’s most meaningful pursuits. Whether reconnecting with friends or creating joy for children, these moments have reinforced for me that our true purpose is to support and care for each other, sharing connection, laughter, and experience, not just striving for personal achievements.

One weekend, I lay in a hammock during a storm. Next, I slept on the couch as four little ones camped indoors. Both experiences reinforced that living with purpose and intention brings meaning to life. That meaning isn’t in my bank account, but in how I treat others, connect with people, and show up for those around me. Bringing joy and fun into ordinary moments—making people feel special on a random weekend or weekday—reminds me that life is too brief not to. If we neglect this, we risk missing what truly matters, and that is such a significant loss in this journey we call life.