In the midst of the bustling children’s ward, where the air is often thick with the weight of illness and the echoes of pain, there are moments that remind me of the small yet profound joys that can be found if only we take the time to look for them. It was during one of these moments that I encountered a young boy, no more than 9 or 10 years old, who approached me with a shy curiosity.

He asked me my name, and I replied, reciprocating the question. In his limited English and my embarrassingly subpar Krio—the local language in Freetown—we managed to understand each other. He began to share his story, detailing why he was in the hospital. Despite the language barrier, we connected, and he eagerly grabbed my hand, leading me to show me his X-ray.

The next day, when I returned to the ward, I found this same boy lying in bed, tears streaming down his face. The staff explained that he had undergone a painful dressing change. Seeing his distress, I rummaged through my bag, hoping to find something to lift his spirits. My fingers brushed against my trusty sticker book, a small treasure I kept for such occasions. I tore out a page and handed it to him, demonstrating how to peel and place the stickers. In that simple act, the boy’s pain seemed to fade away, replaced by a spark of joy and fascination.

As I continued to distribute stickers to the other children in the ward, a transformation occurred. Laughter and excitement filled the air, replacing the usual sombre mood. Within half an hour, every child, nurse, and caregiver proudly wore a sticker on their forehead. The young boy, who just moments ago was consumed by pain and worry, now focused intently on selecting the perfect sticker for me.

Despite his young age, this boy was deeply aware of the financial strain his illness placed on his family. Yet, in that brief moment of shared joy, those heavy thoughts dissipated. He wasn’t thinking about the burden; he was simply enjoying the playful act of decorating my forehead with a colourful sticker.

Working on the wards of the Africa Mercy and Global Mercy, I used to experience such moments of joy daily. Transitioning to my role off-ship at Connaught Hospital, I wondered if I would have similar opportunities to witness and share in these small but significant joys. This interaction reassured me that I would. While I aspire to achieve great things at Connaught, impacting many lives, I am reminded that sometimes, the greatest impact comes from small, heartfelt gestures. Even if I don’t accomplish all my grand goals, I will be content knowing I brought a moment of happiness to that one patient.

In the grand tapestry of life, it’s often the small, seemingly insignificant threads that add the most vibrant colours. Finding joy in the little things, even amidst suffering, is a testament to the goodness of God. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there are always sparks of light to be found if we only take the time to look for them.

As it is written in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of finding joy in small moments, trusting that God’s goodness is ever-present, even in the midst of suffering.

Paul’s words in Romans emphasize the transformative power of God’s hope, joy, and peace. These gifts are not dependent on our circumstances but are a result of trusting in Him. When we place our trust in God, He fills us with an unshakable peace and joy that transcends our immediate struggles. This divine hope enables us to see beyond our pain and recognize the small blessings that God places in our path, even in the most unlikely places—like a hospital ward filled with suffering children.

The encounter with the young boy and the simple act of sharing stickers became a conduit of God’s love and joy. It was a reminder that God’s presence is felt in the smallest acts of kindness, and His joy can be found in the most unexpected moments. By trusting in God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, we can become vessels of His hope and joy, bringing light to even the darkest corners of our world.