Scripture: John 15:11 (NIV Study Bible) – “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Message: I like to greet people coming into church on Sunday mornings.  That is where I met little Kamryn.  She was only five years old and, as she marched in with her Grandpa, you could tell she was a young lady with lots of confidence.

I held my hand out flat, palm up and, when she saw it, a sweet smile came across her lips.  She headed straight towards me, and with all the might she could muster, she slapped me with a high-five that I will never forget.  This scene has reoccurred every time we see each other for some two years now.  I look forward to seeing her and she makes every meeting special.  My entire day I find myself smiling as my mind recalls our special greeting.

Her greeting is always the same.  I know when I see her, I can count on her to fill my day with consistent joy.  It reminds me of the consistent joy Jesus brings us.  Regardless of what sort of day I’m having, I only need to look for Jesus and I will receive a joyful hand slap that will surely brighten my day.  Sometimes that slap comes from the quiet solitude of my private prayers.  Other times it comes from morning prayer with friends as we gather to support each other, or perhaps from a meaningful sermon from the Pastor.  But in every case, it comes from the knowledge that Jesus is the source for our ultimate happiness and joy.  We just must look for Him in all circumstances.  Just look and you might see Him marching toward you, hold out your hand and let Him slap you with a high-five hard enough to make you smile all day.

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us enough to send Your only Son to die so that we may have salvation.  Thank You, Jesus, for showing up in all circumstances to bring us joy and happiness.  Remind us to seek You and to thank You for the sweet high-fives You give us every day.  It is in Your name we pray.  Amen.

Jack Frye 1 of 2