Dear Parish Family, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his journal in 1835 “It is a happy talent. to know how to play”, he cautioned against taking societal rules so seriously that we sacrifice silliness and fun. I am sure he was not aware. that he was ahead of his time in terms of the benefits to us physically and emotionally that scientific data now affirm. When was the last time that you remember being silly or having great fun? Silliness can be defined. as clownish, whimsical, exaggerated humor or high spirits. Do we take time to have this playfulness or see things through a child’s eyes. Someone said, “Joy is Gods dream for us!” Even success is meaningless without joy! In (John 15:11) “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and your joy be full.” In many ways happiness can be blind. We believe we are happy, but are we? St John Bosco tells us “I am a man who loves joy, who therefore wishes to see you and everybody happy.” Think of what fun it is “to let your hair down “a bit and bask in a moment of silliness. I recently heard Father Stanley and my daughter laughing hysterically over a comment about Chip, a starfish, in her large fish tank. This may not have been that funny to others, but their laughter almost brought them to tears. Children exhibit this much easier than adults and continually reap the benefits. Is there a setting, a phrase, or someone who brings out these moments of playfulness and fun for you? I hope so. If not, search for and grasp a moment of play. Pablo Neruda, a Chilean poet- diplomat and a Nobel Prize winner said, “Laughter is the language of the soul.” (Proverbs 17:22) “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Laughter is a gift from God.” My prayer is “Thank you, God, for giving us this wonderful gift. Help me to share it with others. Amen. Mary Jo