An old man lived in the village. He was one of the most unfortunate people in the world. The whole village was tired of him, he was always gloomy, constantly complained and always was in a bad mood. The longer he lived, the more bile was becoming and the more poisonous were his words. People avoided him, because his misfortune became contagious. It was even unnaturally and insulting to be happy next to him. He created the feeling of unhappiness in others.
But one day, when he got eighty years old, an incredible thing happened. Instantly everyone heard the rumour: “An Old Man is happy today, he doesn’t complain about anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up”. The whole village gathered together. An old man was asked:
– What happened to you?
– Nothing special – he answered. – Eighty years I’ve been chasing happiness, and it was useless. And then I decided to live without happiness and just enjoy life. That’s why I’m happy now.
But one day, when he got eighty years old, an incredible thing happened. Instantly everyone heard the rumour: “An Old Man is happy today, he doesn’t complain about anything, smiles, and even his face is freshened up”. The whole village gathered together. An old man was asked:
– What happened to you?
– Nothing special – he answered. – Eighty years I’ve been chasing happiness, and it was useless. And then I decided to live without happiness and just enjoy life. That’s why I’m happy now.
Mother asked her child:
— Do you know that God was here, when you were stealing cookies from the kitchen?
— Yes, I do.
— And do you know that he was looking at you all this time?
— Yes, I do.
— And how do you think, what he said?
— He said: “There is nobody here apart from us, so take some cookies for me, too!”
The affection distorts the perception. The Master used to talk about it often. One day his students got an amazing example, proving those words. They heard the Master talking to one mother.
– How is your daughter living?
– My dear daughter! She is so happy. She has a wonderful husband! He gave her a car, bought her jewellery that she dreamed about, hired servants for her. They serve her breakfast in bed, and she stays in bed until noon. He’s not a husband, but a prize!
– And how’s your son?
– My poor boy! He married a real grouch! He gave her everything that she wanted: a car, jewellery, an army of servants. And she is lying in bed until noon! And doesn’t even get up to make breakfast for her husband!
After thirty years spent watching television, the husband told his wife:
– Let us now do something really exciting.
These words brought to her mind pictures of pleasure jaunt through the night city.
– Excellent! – She exclaimed. – What will we do?
– Well, I thought… Let’s exchange chairs, honey!
