Genuine Mirth

Today is one of the manic Mondays when all I was hoping is to stay at home ... wishing it is still Sunday.

I was conducting my examination in Internet Programming at Room 302. As expected, you can only hear the soft hum of the air conditioner, the faint sound of the traffic outside, and the shuffling of the papers as my students turn and flip the pages of their questionnaire.  Everybody is engrossed and focused at the questions at hand, when all of the sudden, the door gave a loud bang as one late examinee barged in through the door (without even knocking) ... uttering words of glee ... informing us that she was very happy she got the School Administrator's permission to take the exam even with her unpaid school dues.

Instead of getting angry at the unexpected and unwelcomed distraction, her classmates laughed and joined her enthusiasm.

Though a little bit annoyed at the unmannerly act, I can't help but smile upon seeing the twinkle in her eyes as she sheepishly asked sorry for the disturbance she created. Her eyes showed what happiness really is ... so shallow but real ... happiness so genuine that it touched my heart.

Then I found myself closing the booklet I was reading and cave in to the urge of writing as I recalled something. "The situation sounds familiar", I mused.

Her facial expression reminded me of the people I met once in my past ... people whom society sometimes disowned ... people who are most of the time discriminated because of their lack of education and information on the advancements of todays times ... people whom society neglected because they cannot afford to wear the latest fashion, nor can they afford to buy hamburgers and pizzas (food considered as "in" because of their foreign influence) ... the same people who know how to appreciate even a visit, a pat on their shoulders and a simple HI and HELLO from strangers ... the same people who would be very grateful when offered even a glass of cheap beverages ... the same people whose smiles reaches their ears because of their great appreciation on simple things.

Come to think of it.

Haven't you noticed lots of big beautiful houses with nobody inside but the house-helps? The owners can never be seen staying at home for a long time because they need to be away and race against time to earn all the money to fill and maintain the grand structure.

Haven't you noticed the so-called corporate executives dressed in tailored-to-fit suits, with state-of-the-art cars exchanging cold handshakes and crocodile smiles to their so-called friends?

Haven't you noticed yourself doing unreasonable things and even hurting people (whether noticed or unnoticed) just to survive in this world of pure vanity?

What for? To make us happy? To experience life to the fullest?

Though it is quiet true that we can never buy even the cheapest candy bar with our smiles ... and that happiness can never buy groceries, but we can also bear in mind that our genuine smiles can buy hearts ... hearts that are more precious than golden candy bars ... hearts more precious than the priceless jewels in the world.

We don't need to own the world or even the universe to be happy.  All it takes is appreciate every little simple things life brings and treasure the people around us with great pride and honor.

We don't need to be entertained by the funniest clowns just to wear that precious grin and show the deepest dimples in our faces. What we need is one happy and thankful heart to tickle the genuine mirth hidden beneath the innocent and happy child in us.

(10.18.2004 3pm)