Violets and a Waterfall

*A retelling for children, based on **The Diary of Juliet Thompson** (diary entry, 25 August 1911). The words in quotation marks are 'Abdu'l-Bahá's own, as Juliet wrote them down.*

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It was a beautiful summer day in the green hills of Switzerland, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá decided to go for a drive in the countryside. He invited a few friends to come along, and off they went.

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Suddenly, the car was surrounded! About fifteen village children came running up, their hands full of little purple violets, holding them out hopefully. 'Abdu'l-Bahá was delighted. He bought every single bunch — all of them — smiling at the happy children.

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At the forest, He led His friends to a place where a waterfall came crashing down over the rocks. He climbed up and stood very still, just watching the rushing water, as happy as a child Himself. On the way home, He kept pointing things out — the bright green fields, the little villages, the houses high up on the mountain.

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One of His friends, named Juliet, was so happy to be with Him that she felt sad too — because she wished these golden days could last forever and never end. When she said so, 'Abdu'l-Bahá gave her a gentle answer:

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> We are together now. Be happy in the present.

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He was teaching her something wise and simple. Instead of feeling sad that a happy time will end, we can be glad for the happy time we are having *right now*. Today is a gift — and the best thing to do with a gift is to enjoy it.

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*This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see ["Be Happy in the Present"](/stories/jt-be-happy-in-the-present).*

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