You Make Him Smile

The last note of the song still hung in the air as the gracious host who opened his home and Steinway to the young musicians addressed me with a smile and said, "I was watching you as you watched them.  I did the same when my kids played."  He was referring to my uber-focused attention on my daughter and youngest son as their fingers glided across the keys during the semi-annual recital.  Our host noticed my fixed attention and fatherly grin. 

My children owe their skill to practice and genes (my wife's, not mine).  As those two play piano and my other son plays guitar, joy fills me.  For one thing, I love music.  For another, and more important reason, I love them.  I enjoy watching my children using their talents.

Our Father in Heaven enjoys watching His children using their talents, too.  A minor (due to length of writing, not importance) prophet in the Old Testament told the Hebrew people of a great day of restoration.  In his words, Zephaniah wrote . . .

"[The Lord] will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (3:17 b-c)

Those words cheer me.  The thought of God delighting in me amazes me.  I desire to make Him smile.  With that pursuit in mind, I remember the words of Jesus.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Play your piece.  Sing your song.  Serve Him faithfully.  Place your Ordinary life before God.

He smiles when you do.