What delights…

I listen to the This American Life podcast every week. Not always on time, of course, as this one is from a couple of weeks ago.

The Show of Delights (episode 692 from This American Life): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-american-life/id201671138

It speaks of delight. The small things that bring delight.

And I suppose it struck me because I drew a blank for a while.

What brings me delight?

I can name things that give me joy. Joy seems like something deeper.

There is joy in the LORD. 🎶

I have joy in contemplating the world, and my world. My nieces are a source of joy, as is all of my family, my friends, my friends who are family, and family who are friends. This lovely, sometimes seemingly chaotic planet, in this majestic, orderly universe, and the blessing of being able to see some of it.

I feel a lot of joy, and greatly blessed in my life. I am grateful. I am thankful.

But delight?

They don’t necessarily distinguish joy vs delight, but I suppose I kind of do. Maybe I shouldn’t.

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.

What are the silly and small bursts of unexpected happiness I could call true delight?

I drew a blank at first.

Does something come to your mind first?

Here’s what I came up with, just as a quick pass. I hope you’ll post a comment and share yours too.

• The memory of my nieces as babies, as toddlers, as little girls, as young women … here’s one: the two of them playing dress-up-princess and twirling in the living room.
• The breakthrough moment when I step off a ship or out of an airport and the pain of getting-there bursts like a bubble and I am almost giddy to realize, I’m in a new place.

• Sharing a true, deep, long laugh with someone I love.

I suppose if I watched for delight, I would be better at recognizing it. Just as we can be better at seeing our blessings and finding gratitude, thankfulness, and joy, with attention and practice.

So wish me luck in noting the little delights of life.

And I hope you will too. (Again, feel free to share them in the comments. I’d love to know what delights you.)