Smile…
(originally written on April 02, 2008)
When everything seems to go wrong, SMILE seems to be the last thing in my mind. It’s so frustrating to know that you are like travelling along a road where everyone seems to be driving the opposite direction. Changing the mindset of people around us in the secular world is indeed a hard sell. I never wanted to change anybody overnight, but I am certain that there are certain values that we more or less (should) share. Nonetheless, I am starting to believe otherwise. I still could not figure out why some people are acting in their own ways - which I find deviant…erratic. Or maybe it’s just me.
I used to believe that no matter how difficult some people may seem, there will always be room for goodness in their heart. And no matter how minute that space is…I believed it’s powerful enough to dispel the refuse away.
Remember Sam’s line in the 2nd installment of the Lord of the Rings? Wickedness is only a passing thing. No matter how terrible things can go, there is always something that we can hold on to….That there’s goodness in this world, and that’s worth fighting for. (I think I will have to watch that part this weekend)
Now going back to the real world…the case is the same. Stress and demands posed by our job can drive us into despondence. It may ruin friendships and distract harmony among people.
But think of this…after we leave the office premises, we don’t bring along the stressors with us. This time, it will be between you…and yourself…and the ones that really matter to you.
My family comes to mind. Despite the hardships and scanty resources, we still managed to stick together through the years. My parents and sisters are the most important people in my life (sounds familiar, eh?). I got my twin little siblings as my inspirations. I have my parents whom I draw the much-needed strength. When caught in the middle of indicisiveness whether to stay or go, my mother would always say…”bahala ka…nasa sayo yan, andito lang kami.” Does not really help, but I feel a reassurance that whether I succeed or fail they will be there for me.
My beloved Twin Sisters Leah and Lois
I am privileged to know who my Creator is and how can I remember him during my youthful days. Somehow I have an idea what’s the purpose of my existence (Ecc 12:1, 13) so I can carry on a life with a certain end that keeps me from drifting away…or puts me back on track.
With all those in mind, now I find more reason to smile…even when the world does not seem to offer any help. I can have a joyful heart even if the world seem to run out of reasons to stay afloat in the sea of uncertainty.
And as I leave my workplace…I can flash a sweet smile with much conviction…while telling myself…”Smile kid…things will be all right.” =)
May 15th, 2008 at 3:06 am
Yeah kuya ‘cis! Troubles and worries are part of our lives. Whether they are HUGE problems or not, it doesn’t matter, what’s important is how we deal with them. Will we face them bravely or back off and avoid reality? Will we take them with a light or heavy heart?
Life is God’s gift,
It is so precious and too short to be wasted…
Each moment spent in misery is a moment lost of happiness.
Greet the world with a smile, and everything will turn out right.
As from a line on my favorite poem (Desiderata):
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.