Beauty in Stillness

I am happy right now.  Has anything profoundly great happened that drives me to be so?  Not in particular, but happiness is circumstantial, and often uncontrollable.  I can choose to have a joyous attitude, but happiness is this wild creature, and surprises me with its random and unannounced visitations.  Sitting here quietly in a corner, reading about the brain, and drinking luke-warm coffee, it strikes.  The sunshine outside suddenly seems brighter and glowing.  The people passing by  appear to have secrets; their faces hiding unspoken mirth.  Two little girls are guided by their father, as he shows them the University.  Someday they will be great too, they imagine.  While I am encouraged to always maintain a positive attitude, I love these moments of happiness.  I soak them up for all their worth, and allow myself to become consumed, and high.  I know neither their source nor purpose, but embrace them wholly.

Perhaps my mood swings...I could categorize myself with a plethora of mental "disorders," but if random happiness is a symptom, I can't be all that bad off.  It balances the days of low spirits; which have a somber beauty to them as well.  The golden leaves sway in the invisible breeze, announcing their quiet presence.  A man reads the Exponent on a bench outside.  I wonder if he's reading the brief I wrote.

I miss home. Yet I am blessed where I am. I feel the constant, steady pressure of due assignments.  They can wait.  For now, I embrace the present.  What is happiness, but fleeting moments?  If there is to be value found in them, they must be enjoyed without distraction.  I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and allow myself to be renewed.  Thank You, God, for moments like these.