This is the question that drives our behaviors…our choices. When I was young AND wanted to “delight” mom & dad, everything seemed to go well. But when I was bent on myself, well, things got heated. In fact, I can still hear that black belt coming around the belt loops of dad’s britches. I knew better but I did it anyway. This pattern continued through the first three years of college when I flunked out. I remember their faces that afternoon in the kitchen when I told them what I had done and my decision to join the Air Force before getting drafted. This memory lingered with me for four years until I returned to college and graduated three years later. It was because of the loving way they sacrificed that I got my degree. I wanted to make them proud.

Last week our children and our young grandchildren joined Mary & I in the Hills of Tennessee to celebrate our 50^th anniversary. It was a week of no agenda, visiting, eating and lots of laughter. As we sat around the campfire, laughing, telling stories, roasting marshmallow s’mores, I took great delight in knowing how Blessed we are as a family. Each tight hug, as we left, reflected the “delight” we find in each other. We have been Blessed…not perfect, but Blessed!

Our relationship with our Heavenly Father is like this. When I lived my life following the “Have It Your Way” plan, I failed. And when the failure became so painful He was there. I can still hear His whisper, “Have you had enough of this, or do you want some more?” That is when I enrolled in God School.

In God School everything you need is found in one place, His Word. It is “The Guidebook For Living.” The first time I went to college I showed up for class and took notes but never opened the book. I managed this strategy for three years until I flunked out. The next time I went to college, I went to class and dug into the books to graduate. I have dear friends who attend church using my old, failed strategy, showing up on Sunday morning while their Bible gathers dust at home.

But ponder this golden nugget from Proverbs 11:20, “but He delights in those whose ways are blameless.” Have you ever thought about making God Proud of YOU? This is why He gave us His love letter, His Word. He calls us the “Apple of His Eye” (Psalm 17:8, Provers 7:2 & Deuteronomy 32:10).

Several years ago, the Holy Spirit highlighted this powerful verse to me. It has become my daily strategy…the way I go through my day. It’s found in Psalm 25:4-5, “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You.” It’s all about Him.

Simply put, God gives us a choice. We can go our own way or go His One and Only Way, through Jesus (John 14:6). It’s all found in His Word. Discover how you can delight Him and sense the warmth, confidence, and security of His Love. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”  Revelation 3:20