Story by Bill Conley
Moral:
The joy the world offers is temporary—it rises and falls with moods,
popularity, and possessions. But the joy that comes from the Lord is rooted in
love, peace, and purpose, and it lasts even in difficult times. Teaching
children to seek their joy in God’s presence rather than worldly success helps
them grow into content, resilient, and faithful individuals. Real joy isn’t
about what we have—it’s about who holds our heart.
In the sunlit corner of Blossom
Meadow lived a bright little ladybug named Lila. She had shiny red wings with
seven perfect black spots, and a smile that could brighten even the cloudiest
day.
Lila loved being liked. She loved it when her friends laughed at her jokes, clapped at her dances, and invited her
to sit in the front row of every picnic or pond performance. To Lila, being
noticed meant being happy. The more cheers she heard, the more joyful she
felt—or so she thought.
Every morning, Lila looked in her
reflection on the dew-covered leaves and whispered, “Be fun today. Be fancy. Be
the one everyone notices.”
And most days, she was.
But when the clapping stopped, or
someone else was chosen first, Lila’s joy faded like morning mist. One
afternoon, when Bella the Butterfly got more praise for her song, Lila
fluttered off in silence and hid beneath a daisy.
“Why doesn’t anyone see me
anymore?” she sighed.
The next day, a big sign appeared in
the meadow:
“Spring Jubilee! Come share your
talents. The most joyful performance wins the Flower Crown!”
Lila’s heart skipped. “That crown has
to be mine! I’ll make everyone laugh and cheer. Then I’ll feel joyful again!”
For the next three days, she
practiced cartwheels, jokes, and dances. She polished her spots and memorized
clever lines. “This is it,” she told herself. “This will prove I’m joyful
again.”
When the day arrived, a crowd of
meadow creatures buzzed with excitement. Fireflies blinked like stage lights.
Crickets played music. Everyone cheered as the show began.
Lila’s turn came last.
She danced, twirled, and told her
funniest joke. The crowd clapped. Some even stood up.
But then, something strange
happened.
As she stepped back in line, Lila
saw a little inchworm named Isaac quietly humming a song about God's love. His
voice wasn’t loud. His notes weren’t perfect. But he sang with closed eyes and
a peaceful smile.
No one clapped at first.
Then Bella whispered, “That... was
beautiful.”
Others nodded. Slowly, everyone
stood.
Isaac didn’t win the Flower Crown.
But Lila noticed something in him that she didn’t feel in herself—a joy that
didn’t need applause.
Later that night, Lila wandered
alone past the cattail creek. Her wings drooped.
“I danced, I made them laugh. Why do
I still feel... empty?”
A gentle voice replied, “Because
you’re looking for joy in the wrong places.”
Lila turned. It was Grandma Cricket,
sitting beneath a moonflower.
“Joy doesn’t come from applause,
dear,” she said. “It comes from knowing who you are—and whose you are.”
Lila blinked. “Whose I am?”
“You are loved by the Creator of all
this,” Grandma said, gesturing at the stars. “When your joy comes from Him,
it lasts. Whether anyone claps or not.”
Lila sat down. “I want that kind of
joy.”
Grandma Cricket smiled. “Then talk
to Him. Thank Him. And trust that He’s already cheering for you.”
That night, Lila looked up at the
stars and prayed quietly.
“God... thank You for making me.
Help me find joy in You, not in what others think of me.”
The next morning, Lila felt lighter.
She danced again—but this time, for fun. She helped the shy bugs rehearse their
parts. She even cheered for Isaac when he sang again at the next festival.
And when no one was watching, Lila
smiled just the same.
She had found a joy that clapping
couldn’t give—and silence couldn’t take away.
Moral Poem:
Joy that fades when the lights go low
It is not the kind that helps us grow.
But joy that rests in God above
It will fill your heart with lasting love.
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