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Unexpected Joy

 

A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a scene in the mall that has stayed with me. After grabbing a hot coffee and finding a seat in the food court, I opened my laptop to catch up on some emails. Suddenly, I heard an excited lady exclaim in a loud voice, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Pastor!"

I looked up to see a middle-aged woman completely overjoyed as a young pastor unloaded a small grocery cart filled with potatoes, tomatoes, bread, and fresh fruit into her arms. "Thank you! You remembered me," she said. After handing over the groceries, he offered a short prayer, gave her a big hug, and then continued on his way.

It was an overcast Monday morning when I had not seen a single smile, only many tired and weary commuters with heads down and shoulders hunched. That scene felt like a bright light piercing through the darkness, and her joy was contagious. A few moments later, a young mom and her child took a seat at the table in front of her. The two connected with their eyes, and she couldn't resist engaging with the little boy, leading to giggles and a bright conversation between the two moms. Soon, she joyfully shared some of her fruit with them.

It was a beautiful display of kingdom joy spreading through the food court—prayers, words of praise, and thankful, joyful hearts. This was the ministry of Christ at work in the world—no sound system, no committees, and no formal programming—just the simple act of one household sharing with another in the name of Jesus.

Titus 3:4–8 says, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." God's mercy transforms ordinary people into vessels of His grace, turning everyday moments—like grocery shopping and sharing a meal—into opportunities for the goodness of His kingdom to break through.

This serves as a good reminder on a Monday morning that the kingdom grows not primarily through grand programs or polished events, but through the everyday acts of mercy and words of kindness done in the name of Jesus. One household sharing with another becomes a bright reflection of God's grace. A simple act of remembering someone—taking the time to serve, pray, and connect—can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.

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Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

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