a) What is cheerfulness?
Cheerfulness is the supernatural happiness that comes from abandoning everything, including oneself, into the loving arms of our Father, God. It is not merely the happiness of one who does not suffer, like a healthy animal, but rather the joy of one who knows that all he does pleases God.
Cheerfulness should be the atmosphere surrounding all our activities, like prayer, study, work, recreation, relationship with others, etc. As we strive to do good, a small crucifix on our study table, a rosary in our pocket, or the scapular of Our Lady, will remind us of Christ’s sacrifice and Mary’s self-dedication in continuously thinking of others.
b) How do we live cheerfulness?
To live cheerfulness, first, we need to do our best always, since we cannot offer God a half-baked work. Second, we should try to do God’s will both in the little things of daily life, and in the greater decisions in life, for example, regarding vocation. And third, we have to be confident that for those who love God, all things work together unto good.
At times we become tired, or find ourselves in difficult or unpleasant situations. But we should never be sad, for God made us to be happy eternally with him. And the happiness of heaven belongs to those who strive to be cheerful on earth.