In his book, Now I Become Myself, Ken Shigematsu shares something a friend wrote to him:
“The image that came to me for you was one of God celebrating over you, in the sense not only that God loves you, but that he also LIKES you. He likes your walk, the way you talk, your sense of humor—even the things you feel are just odd or quirky—maybe even something you are wishing you could change about yourself, God likes” (ch. 4).
Later in the book he comments that when we notice something beautiful, “remember this is a small glimpse of what God feels when he sees you” (ch. 9), and “God is the author of pleasure, and so God delights in our delight” (ch. 10).
The idea of God’s delight has captured my attention this week. I can often take myself (and everyone else) too seriously. I sometimes struggle to laugh with others (perhaps because I don’t understand their humor). So then to think of God enjoying His children challenges my perspective.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). He has given us many good things to enjoy, so why wouldn’t He be glad, and indeed glorified, when we do in fact enjoy them? But He’s not just an artist who is glad to be recognized, He’s also our Father. Having never had children of my own, I don’t know this for sure, but it seems to me that there’s not much better than a laughing baby or child. There is abundant evidence on social media that we enjoy their enjoyment.
I’ve been looking for ways to apply this in my own life, primarily by thinking about the things I enjoy and remembering that God notices and smiles along with me. In my case that includes things like trying to name the colors in a sunset; seeing where my prisms create rainbows on the walls; talking to the critters I find in my yard (from beetles to box turtles and black snakes); and even learning curious word derivations.
As a side note, I’m trying to relearn biblical Greek by reading an interlinear Bible, and a few times I’ve laughed at words Matthew chose for his gospel. I don’t recall ever laughing at Scripture before, and I think God laughs along. I was just reminded of the story Mike Yaconelli wrote in Dangerous Wonder about Jesus joining in a mud fight with His disciples. I’m sure he would agree that Christians can sometimes be too serious and “proper” about their faith.
If the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15 did everything improper—running to meet him, embracing and clothing him, and throwing a party to welcome the rebel back—what does that tell us about our heavenly Father? He gladly welcomes not just repentant sinners, but each of His distracted, depressed, and downtrodden children. He lifts our chins, reminds us to look at all the good things He has provided, and invites us to join in the party He is hosting for us.
Ironically (and providentially), I started reading Now I Become Myself not long after I had been thinking about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and pondering why joy seems harder to manifest than the other descriptors (but keeping in mind that none of it is the fruit of human effort). And although I’ve often tried to parse out the difference between joy and happiness, I wonder if perhaps the main difference is whether it points us to God. Shigematsu notes,
“Any practice that makes us come alive over time, even if it is not overtly religious, is a spiritual practice. Whenever we experience the pleasure of play, we are given a window into God’s abounding pleasure in us. If you feel joyful pleasure in a frivolous and unnecessary luxury, remember that joy is God’s invention and intention for us. God calls us to a life of joy” (ch. 10).
I believe God gives us many glimpses of joy through His creation, His people, and His Word. If we will take the time to look up from our screens, to notice God’s goodness and give thanks, it will help to brighten each day.
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
© 2026 Dawn Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are ESV and all images copyright free from pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views of my church or employer.
