The Lord takes delight in his people. // Psalm 149:4
Pulled away from my spot of comfort, I made my way towards the waves lapping at the sand. A little hand tugged me along farther from my camping chair upon which I’d been perched—clean, on the outskirts of the scene, watching my children splash and play from a safe distance. My skirt was still on over my suit, proof of how little I planned to get wet.
But down I plopped, right in the wet and sandy shoreline. And it was good. Toes digging into cool sand as warm rays of sunshine beamed down. My sweet toddler right next to me chattering with a mix of hesitation and approval at this new space. Nearby sat my friend and her daughter, my goddaughter, who happily sucked fists moistened by lake water. An ordinary moment, but I paused, entered in, and delighted in all the beauty and wonder of that slice of time.
It’s easy to delight in small children—they truly are so lovable. And this absolute delight in a person’s existence, this is how Jesus loves you. Not because of what you are doing or not doing, but because of who you are. Your very existence. That’s it. He delights in you along with your silliness, your hesitations, your mock confidence, and your insecurities, and He cherishes you in your pain and your brokenness.
You. You are worth delighting in because you exist. Nowhere else in life are you going to hear that without the love of Jesus at the heart of the relationship. Elsewhere more is demanded: skill, added value, a sense of humor, toned-down behavior, a more outgoing personality. We are required by the world to do more, have more, be more. But in the Kingdom of God, you must only bring you and let Him do the rest.
Sarah Ortiz is a Catholic convert, wife, and mother to five boys while living in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Western New York. When not folding laundry, she can be found reading, experimenting in the kitchen, keeping the family library, or snagging amazing antique furniture deals. She was a contributing author to Set a Fire. Find out more about her here.
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