Over the weekend, we took our daughter to a theme park for the first time. She had no idea what she was getting into, but from the minute we got onto the trolley that led us to the park until the minute we got back in our car, there was NOTHING that could deter her excitement. Well, except for when we told her she was too short for a ride. But all we had to do was show her another ride and she was sprinting off to the next one.
After one particular ride, she ran up to me and said "Mommy, I love it when I say AAAHH!!!" and squealed with delight. I laughed at her joy. It was hard not to laugh most of the day because her joy was so contagious. I realized in that moment that I could not remember the last time I had laughed so hard, smiled so big, or just enjoyed myself for more than just a moment. Watching my daughter delight in everything from popcorn to saying "aaahhh!!" made me realize: I don't allow myself to delight in life.
Something has happened over the years where joy does not come naturally to me. If I'm honest, I'm still processing this a bit, and I don't have the words for all of it just yet. But what I do know is this: I need more delight in my life.
In light of this, I've compiled a little collection of some things that have brought me delight and I want to share them with you!
1) If you don't know, I have DEEP love for all things "Gilmore Girls." Today, there is a incredibly fun opportunity for anyone across the country to participate in. You can have a cup of coffee at Luke's! Check out the details here.
2) My dear friend Tanya Godsey released her latest album this past week! I can't say enough good things about it. The music is moving, the lyrics are achingly beautiful and the album as a whole is such a testament to God's faithfulness in the crazy journey of life. You can hear a glimpse of it here on iTunes.
3) It finaaaaally feels like Fall. And I love that there are more and more companies that are providing products that bring out the fun in Fall. Like Rachel Allene and her "pumpkin spice and everything nice" or "the leaves are falling my coffee is calling" mugs!
I know these seem like silly things, but that's the thing about delight, it can come from anywhere, and by definition, its something that brings you pleasure. And you know what? In these crazy times, I want to start looking for more things that delight me. It gives way to true joy. And joy is a fruit of the Spirit that equips us to walk in an abundant life and face each day and its troubles with a more firm grip. Life is hard, days are full, but there is a call to make room for delight that I have ignored for a long time. Our heart's greatest delight truly belongs to the Lord, but I think one thing that watching my heart happy little one is teaching me is that if we don't look for delight, we miss out on things the Lord wants to show us or give to us because we're lost in all the heavy. So today, I invite you into my delight.
Over on Instagram, I am hosting a giveaway! I would love for you to take part in it. The prizes are little things (mostly mentioned above) that have made me smile and I hope will for you too! All you have to do is tell me in the comments something that delights your heart. It can be time with a person, watching a sunset, a cup of coffee, or even a ride on a roller coaster; whatever it is, I want to hear about it. On Friday, I will select a winner via a drawing and post it on Instagram. I hope to hear from you.
I hope your eyes are opened to something delightful today.
xo,
Em