Delightful
The last weekend in February, I hosted a most fabulous bridal shower for my bestie, who is getting hitched this month. A simply delightful time was had by all.
- My hubby relished his job as cleaner upper of the yard. He spent hours outside clipping hedges and making all the plants obey his bidding. Our grass has never looked greener or more uniform in length. Bruce loves to get dirty in our planting areas.
- The awesome Cassie whipped up a cake extraordinaire. Every morsel was like a piece of heaven melting in my mouth. She seriously needs to start her own bakery. I have trouble putting a Betty Crocker cake mix in the oven, but Cassie is skilled at concocting scrumptious confectionery.
- The devotional challenge to the bride was fabulous. Eileen, who teaches for BSF, was kind enough to break open the Word and offer up a few words of wisdom that frankly brought the house down. I wanted a copy to pour over and possibly pray through. Her grace and authenticity in sharing filled up the room with the sweet fragrance of the Holy Spirit.
- As the hostess with the mostess, I mixed thawed frozen orange juice concentrate into the yummy punch recipe and simmered the killer frozen meatballs in the crock pot. I also decided to dial up the corner Italian restaurant for two fabulous takeout pans of baked ziti with garlic rolls, rather than slaving over the stove and greeting my guests covered in sweat and tomato sauce.
Here’s the thing, each of us did what delighted us. If I’d had to grab a pair of shears and hunch over into the side yard to tackle the weeds, I would have grumbled and complained the whole time. Cassie may love baking cakes, but flour and I are not fast friends. My delight is in coordinating the fun and warmly greeting my guests at the door. I love sitting in a quiet corner and chatting with the girls.
I’ve learned to delegate what doesn’t delight me. Life is too short to spend all my energy on the dreary that drains.
It’s part of the reason that I am super thankful for Traci and Mandy who are working behind the scenes on the “fresh look” for this blog. I needed to focus on the fun bridal shower and leave the nitty-gritty design to the experts.
What are you drudging through right now that is not a delight? Sometimes we need to step away from what is sapping us of energy.
This morning, I read a good Word that made my heart smile:
God delights in mercy.
I grew fascinated by the concept. God delights.
On the drive to work, I contemplated what else might tickle His fancy.
This afternoon, I did a quick word study to find out:
- God delights in the welfare of His servants. (Psalm 37:27, ESV)
- God delights in the truth in our inward being. (Psalms 51:6)
- God delights in the soul of the blameless. (Proverbs 11:20)
- God delights in those who act faithfully. (Proverbs 12:22)
- God delights in justice. (Psalm 37:28, NASB)
- God delights in the prayer of the upright. (Proverbs 15:8, AMP)
- God delights in practicing lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth. (Jeremiah 9:24)
- God delights in steadfast loyalty, faithfulness in the covenant relationship. (Hosea 6:6)
His delight dwells in us (John 15:11, AMP). Christ prayed for us to experience His joy made full and complete and perfect within us filling our hearts with His delight (John 17:13, AMP).
My friend, He has promised to “keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished, blameless and faultless, in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight” (Jude 1;24, NLT). He wants to feed you from the abundance of His house and let you drink from His river of delights (Psalm 36:8). He delights in every detail of your life (Psalm 37:23).
Let these words fill you with delight today: “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT).
God delights in you. He never grows dreary of dazzling you with His mercy and love.
Something to think about…
I LOVE this….”I’ve learned to delegate what doesn’t delight me. Life is too short to spend all my energy on the dreary that drains.” Im learning to do the same thing. I used to try and do everything….even things that I loathed and really didn’t do well. Once I started delegating….oh my goodness!! I wondered why I hadn’t been doing that all along! Love this reminder today. ?
I don’t know if it’s just me, but knowing that God delights in me amazes me even more than knowing that He loves me. I knew He loved me for years and was grateful, but when I learned that He delighted in me, I was wowed!
Thank you for always infusing your articles with a lot o’ Scripture– I appreciate your words & wisdom~
Love this so much, Lyli! Word studies are my favorite. 🙂
Lyli, How I’d love to sit in that corner and chat with you. You have such a warm spirit about you. Blessed to know and visit with you in this internet-corner. ((Hug)) Can’t wait to see your new site!! — And, thank you for reminding me that I am God’s delight, and that all the things we do to serve and love aren’t lost on Him. Love Him. Thank you, Lyli. ((xoxo))
I read that same good Word this morning! Amazing to ponder the fact that God delights in us.
It is always a blessing to be reminded that God delights in me. I already know He delights in you 🙂 But at times, I can focus on my own shortcomings and lose sight that He also delights in me.
And I know your new site will be just lovely when it is revealed! Looking forward to it!
I’ve been working on Psalm 121 lately, and your words hook the promises of God in that lovely song. What a comfort to know that He delights in us and He KEEPS us in all our comings and goings.
Isn’t it a wonderful incentive to clean up around the house by hosting a event? ha. We do the same. I’m glad your friend had a wonderful shower. I’m still not great at delegating, but I’m getting better. Thanks for sharing the encouraging to accept mercy when it’s given!
Love the alliteration (sp?). I am currently slogging through the trenches of a new blog host site–I went from Blogger to Word Press. It’s not easy or fun. The wonderful world of plug-ins is mind baffling. I’m creative and outdoorsy-not technologically bent. I hate sitting in front of a computer for hours to figure one minor thing out. I’ve had some folks come alongside and help, which is great. Otherwise, I’d give up! Thanks for sharing this, Lyli.
I love this because of the hospitality by gifting-ness part! We get rattled into thinking we have to do and delight in all the parts but that’s not true. I’ll post on my Hospitaity for heaven’s sake fb group page and it will be an encouragement, I know. If you like, please join in: WelcomeHeart, WelcomeHome. sue
Yay for the new blog!!!! How exciting. When you mentioned delegating what doesn’t delight you, the whole technology thing instantly popped into my mind! I LOVE Mandy and Traci. They’ll produce a beautiful blog for you. Can’t wait to see it.
Such powerful, delightful Truths, Lyli! Psalm 37:27 speaks to me personally this week. I need the reminder that He is concerned for my welfare. Of course He is, I just need to camp on that Truth for awhile. Blessings your week, my friend!
Lyli – this line right here got me: “I’ve learned to delegate what doesn’t delight me. Life is too short to spend all my energy on the dreary that drains.” why is it that I feel guilty when I delegate, like I shouldn’t be asking others to help out? ugh I need help and prayer over this… such a great post thanks for hosting.
How wonderful all the scripture you sharde of what God delights in. Thanks for sharing and hosting!
What an absolutely captivating word! I’ve always told my daughter “she is the delight of my life.” It says everything to me. Very inspiring post!
What strength and encouragement in knowing that God delights in me. Love the collections of scripture that proves it too.
Oh, Lyle I just love your new look. It’s positively beautiful. As always love your messages too. Susan Clark
Thank you, Susan. Hugs