You know, sometimes I think we live in a grumpy world! – and it so unnecessary. There is no need for any person to be lastingly miserable.

When the Savior said, “…be of good cheer…” it was a commandment, not a suggestion. (John 16:33)

Once, while serving as a missionary on a very cold Midwest winter morning, my companion and I went out to meet people. In an effort to ward off the cold and discouragement, we began telling jokes to one another. As we approached a stranger’s door, he told me a joke – and I didn’t get it; it went right over my head.

I continued, however, pondering the punch line. Then, just as the door began to open, I got it! – and it was hilarious! I started laughing so hard I could hardly talk, as did my friend.

And when the lady of the house opened the door, she saw two young men on her doorstep, laughing uproariously! I tried to stifle my mirth long enough to state our purpose for being there. But I’m afraid it came out more as a series of garbled snorts and chokings. I don’t think to this day she knew what I said, but the wonderful thing of it all, and the reason I tell you this story is that she began laughing also. Soon we were all having a good laugh. She was still chuckling as she closed the door and sent us on our way, as we were.

My friends, life is wonderful, and there is so much to enjoy and laugh at – and it’s not wrong. And if we come to the Savior who was the most cheerful of all men who ever lived, He will teach us how to find the happiness and the joy that was the purpose of our creation in the first place.