The Lord's delight

As a mama of 2 sweet ones, every day I find something that one of them says or does absolutely delightful.

Carter, for instance, has developed a hilarious and terribly infectious laugh. It sounds something like the end of Woody Woodpecker's laugh (i.e. "huh-huh-huh-huh"). He doesn't always laugh this way, but when he gets really excited to see his little girl friends in the neighborhood, or is about to eat a little yummy snack (he gets pretty thrilled about food!), the laugh comes out. I delight in hearing that laugh. I also delight in watching his daily progress towards walking. Every day he is a bit steadier as he holds onto my hand and takes off for Audrey's room. And he seems so thrilled with his progress!

However, I delighted in Carter long before he could really "do" anything. As a newborn, his baby smell, his soft skin, his contented little coos and his peaceful sleeping face made my heart sing. What pure joy and delight I had in him regardless of the late nights, incessant feedings and crying jags (his and mine!) He is our child, and I love him completely, toddler tantrums and all.

Then the other day I read in the Psalms:

"For the LORD takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.

Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds."

(Psalms 149:4,5)

Do we really grasp the meaning of this? The Lord TAKES DELIGHT in us! Because we have joined His family, He sees us as we see our own children - as a gift ... as someone to protect and care for ... as something special, unique, and precious. As we cherish our children, so God cherishes us. As we clap for joy when our kids take their first steps, he cheers on our growth as well. Just as our children disappoint us with their behavior or with poor decisions that they make, we disappoint Him. But just as we will readily forgive our children's mistakes, so He wants to forgive us and restore a right relationship with us. Even greater still - even as we love and embrace our children into our homes and lives with great joy, so God welcomes us into His family with open arms. The absolute beauty in this is that He welcomes us when we have nothing to give in return, except our trust that He knows us and loves us and has our best interests at heart.

WOW. Let us "rejoice in that honor!" We have a Father who not only loves and accepts us as we are - He DELIGHTS in us!

Heck, you may even want to "sing for joy on [your] beds!" :)