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Delightful

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. – Psalm 111:1-2

Flannery O’Connor lived a relatively short life, dying at age 39 of lupus. An author who most often wrote in the Southern Gothic style, she created grotesque characters in stories that had themes of faith, God and religion woven throughout. She never achieved a level of popular acclaim some authors reach, but those who study her works love her. It would not be an overstatement to say that true Flannery O’Connor fans are absolutely zealous in their love for her. And though she only wrote two novels and thirty-two short stories, they study her works incessantly and there are more books about her and her writings than books written by her.

This is what happens when we delight in something. We invest ourselves. We study, discuss, share, review, read and re-read everything we can about the one we love. We become fans, devotees, disciples filled with a desire to emulate the one we hold dear. Every chance we get we engage others in conversations about our beloved and could go on for hours discussing all the finer points of those things we adore.

This is built into us by the one who created us. We are built to delight in the works of the Lord... great art, great music, great writing, stunning landscapes, awesome storms, amazing people. Unfortunately our delight too often rests only on the created and doesn’t make it all the way to the Creator. When next you set aside time to indulge in those things that give you delight, let your praise rise all the way to the Lord, the author of all great works!

Prayer
Father Creator, thank you for blessing me with the capacity for delight and for creating so much through which I can exercise that capacity! With my whole heart I give you thanks and praise. Amen.