A smile is the earliest form of communication. A human infant smiles in the first few weeks of life. As the child grows, it learns how to turn the smile into a laugh -- a joyous response reflecting pleasure. 

A sense of humor, a feeling of fun, and an ability to laugh are all signs of emotional maturity.

Healthy laughter frees us; it is the sunshine that makes life's shadows interesting.

When we develop the ability to see the humor in a situation, we gain the ability to handle it. 

We were born with smiles.

They are as much a part of us as our teeth and hair.

Polished and cared for, our smiles can grow into a sense of humor that will help us through the painful times.

It comes across our window pane and then goes away again.

When joy comes knocking at our window we can reach out and let it in.

Joy comes to us in many ways -- through deep laughter, through games played together in a spirit of fun and sharing.

Singing together, skating, and being around a campfire are all ways we share joy.

Yet joy can also be felt alone.

Each moment of joy we reach for strengthens our spirits.

Joyful memories can sustain us through days of long hard work.

Like rain, joy comes and goes, yet its nourishment keeps our spirits alive.