Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
–Luke 15:7

There is a familiar story about a little girl walking along a beach after a storm. Thousands of starfish had washed ashore, scattered across the sand. One by one, she hurriedly picked up those around her and tossed them back into the sea.

An older passerby stopped and watched for a moment before saying, “Why are you doing this? There are far too many. You can’t possibly save them all. What difference does it make?”

The little girl bent down, picked up another starfish, and gently threw it back into the water.

“It matters to this one.”

Some versions of the story say others nearby began to notice too. Instead of dismissing the effort as too small or insignificant, they joined in. And together, they made a difference.

This Sunday we continue our series on the Fruit of the Spirit with a focus on joy. In Luke 15, Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves behind ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost. And when the sheep is found, there is rejoicing. Joy. Celebration. Not because of some grand victory witnessed by the world, but because one mattered.

It is easy to assume joy only belongs to the mountaintop moments of big celebrations, major accomplishments, and extraordinary days. But the joy of the Spirit often appears in smaller places: daily kindness, faithful presence, gentle encouragement, helping one person, growing one more day, bearing one piece of good fruit.

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus also reminds us that good trees bear good fruit. Sometimes simply growing fruit should be enough. Sometimes the quiet work of becoming who God created us to be is already something holy and beautiful.

I look forward to worshipping with you in the Chapel or on YouTube this Sunday as we celebrate the little joys of each of us.

Brett