Delight

The shade concealed me from the glaring sunlight as I peeled off my sandals and dipped my striped, tan-lined feet in the cool water. I flinched from the cold, but immersed them once again as I watched the fountain splash happily, sunlight glinting off the water droplets.

We had just found an ideal spot around the rim of the large fountain on Margit Sziget. Every hour the fountain would be synced to different music, and put on quite the show of dancing water droplets. It was five minutes to the top of the hour, and I had plenty of room on both sides of me... 

And then they came. 

They talked loudly in another language. Shrieking children. Four of them. Two frazzled parents. Bicycle, tricycle, stroller, diaper bag, helmets, water bottle, camera. Bright, freckled faces, strawberry blond hair. They lined the rim right next to me. And just when I thought they were situated, the last two managed to squeeze in the little gap to my left, nearly sitting on my lap. I must admit, I was rather annoyed, especially when their little feet kicked excitedly in the water, splashing water on me. Yes, I know, didn't have the best attitude. 

The music started, and the fountain began splashing in time to the music. Large geysers of water shot up through the air, swirled, tumbled, and chased each other through the air. Spectators hummed along to some of the familiar tunes, like Hungarian Rhapsody and Radetzky March. But to my left, eight little hands clapped after every spray of water, pointing to their favorite spurts of water shrieks of genuine thrill and excitement were released in complete unison. Four little mouths gaped with every new splash, squealing and ooing as the jets of water sprayed in a circle. Eight bruised shins and scraped knees trembled with excitement as they saw each new blast of water. 

Delight. 

Their eyes shone with it under their caps, beneath tucked hair and rosy cheeks. 

Their delight was contagious. I threw my head back, laughing as the spray from the fountain pelted me, leaving darkened little spots on my blue tank top. I couldn't stop grinning, filled with the same childlike delight with the simplicity of a fountain, familiar tunes, a beautiful day, and people I love. 

Suddenly I was overcome in the midst of the roar of the fountain and crackle of the speakers, the giggles to my left, and the chatter all around me. 

This is delight. Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. 

With a resounding crash, the water splashed down into the pool and finally lay still. The kids clapped, but that feeling of delight remained. 

How I desire to live in pure delight... Delight in my Lord and the beautiful works of His hands. That with every evidence of His presence, I would applaud Him, give Him glory, and celebrate Him. 

Thankful for simple lessons, simple truths, and changed attitudes... And little strawberry-blond, freckled children teaching me Delight.