Cultivating Joy: Cultivating joy is a gradual process, built through small, meaningful actions. — Randy Callender.

Cultivating joy is a gradual process built through small, meaningful actions. Whether it’s sharing a meal, learning a new skill from someone else, volunteering, or simply listening to another’s story, these moments are like the fertilizer and water that nourish our inner garden. When we focus on what is working—the small signs of growth, the serendipitous connections, and the simple pleasures—we begin to recognize joy’s presence, even in ordinary moments.

To repent means to turn or return after seeing what you have done or not done is wrong. It is a change of mind – turning away from the evil ways, toward the good ways. The first part of today’s Gospel may seem like another version of the age-old question: why are some people killed in bizarre accidents — and others amazingly spared?

However, today’s lesson is not about good people or bad people, but rather about turning your life around so you are ready to meet God. It is about feeding our souls with the good, nurturing ourselves so we will produce good things, and turning over the soil of our lives so we can begin repeatedly.

I wonder what good soil is being wasted in our own lives with non-bearing things growing there. I wonder whom, by their presence in our lives (our gardener), is currently creating space for us to grow?

Prayer: God of infinite goodness, throughout the ages you have persevered in claiming and reclaiming your people. Renew for us your call to repentance, surround us with witnesses to aid us in our journey, and grant us the time to fashion our lives anew; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Amen. R.C.L. Prayers (2002), alt.