Over the past 7 months I’ve realized that there is nothing like being a dad. Day after day I get to see my little baby grow and experience new things, and we celebrate each little sign of growth and discovery. Maisie now has the strength to sit up on her own and she has become quite content to sit on her mat and play with all of her little toys…chattering away at each one of them.

On Wednesday I sat in my chair and watched her play for a little while. I was so amused to watch her do the simplest of things…grabbing her orange hanging flower, or pulling rings off of the little cone. Sometimes she would lose her balance and fall over. But this didn’t stop her from playing. She rolled over onto her belly and somehow wriggled around to find a new toy. I am so proud of how she is learning and teaching herself…but to her…it’s just playing. But to me, as a dad, I am so proud of how she is learning and growing to experience the life around her.

I wonder, do we bring God the same amount of joy and pride when we simply play? I’m sure that He delights in us as we find joy in the simple things of His creation. I’m sure that God celebrates the victories of growth in our lives…even the ones we don’t see. I’m sure God sees us as I see my little girl…A long way to being grown up, but every step is a victory.

I’m reminded of this verse in Philippians (2:13)

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

It seems as though it’s God who gives us the desire to play, to do what brings us joy, because in the end, He finds ‘good pleasure’ in seeing us live the life He gave us.