My son rolls his eyes because I want a picture before he shaves that great beard.

Of course I love many things about my son! Okay, sometimes he makes me a little crazy, but he has brought great joy to my life. And I’ve learned a few things from him. (Nope. I’m not going to tell you all the lacrosse trivia I’ve learned.)

My son once took a form of the Myers-Brigg personality inventory. I don’t remember exactly what the letter combination was, but I remember that the report showed that only 7 percent of the general population shared that particular combination.

I figure that makes him pretty unusual. But I knew that.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from him is that he knows what brings him pleasure, and that’s where he puts his energy. Over the years we’ve had the usual parent-offspring discussions about making mature decisions.

But if I take a deep breath and step back, I realize I get so caught up in being responsible that I forget to pursue what brings me pleasure.

 

It would be good for my health if I remembered to practice this lesson a little more often. Not everything has to have a rationale. Some things are just fun. Some things are just beautiful.

And I think God smiles at our pleasure when we remember to pause and soak in the beauty and extravagance God pours down on us in each day.