How can we spread happiness?

This was a question posed to me by one of the high school students in the parish youth ministry program. I have to admit, I had some trouble finding an answer, but that's why I like to ask around and see what other people say. Katy said, "Recognizing that you're happy thanks to the joy that only comes from God and being willing to spread that joy by being his light." This was the inspiration for the following response:

Mother Teresa once said, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” I think you have to first know what happiness and love are, and that feeling of joy that you get when you’re happy. Our joy, our happiness comes from God, and knowing God should bring us joy and happiness. When we’re happy, we can spread happiness, and this brings more happiness to the world. We are called to love one another and build each other up. We are meant to let our light, the light of God shine! You know the song “This Little Light of Mine”? Hum or sing a bit of it, does it brighten your day? Does it make you smile? Mother Teresa also says, “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” The first thing you can do to spread happiness is smile. It truly is infectious. The second thing you can do are random acts of kindness. As long as you try to make someone happier you are letting the light of Christ shine. So today, this week, go through the week singing:

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

This little light is Christ the Lord, I’m gonna let it shine!

This little light is Christ the Lord, I’m gonna let it shine!

This little light is Christ the Lord, I’m gonna let it shine!

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

So be happy, be joyful and let your light shine!!!