Minivan Delight

I returned safely from my quick trip to Bloomington, Indiana.  Quick is the key word.  I picked up the rental van at 7:30 am Tuesday, arrived in Bloomington at 7:30 pm, left at 11:00 am the next morning and was home by 10:30 Wednesday evening with my daughter Suzanne and her possessions.  I drove 1400 miles in less than 40 hours which for many Americans is not that extraordinary.  It was an efficient trip, but not transformative.

The strongest memory of this trip will probably be the walk and meal I had with my daughter and her roommate.  As we walked, Suzanne detailed some of her adventures and I realized that I had missed her over the past months. Parenting is filled with best guesses.  Though I had my reservations about her post-college move, I knew she had to try it.  Suzanne moved to live with a former college roommate.   Her part-time job as a tele-marketing interviewer was frustrating as she really wanted to be a baker.  After eight months in Bloomington she was ready to try something new.  The trip became more about her journey than my own.  Fortunately God weaves various people into our life journeys to help guide the way.

Bacon Ice Cream Delight

The other strong memory from this trip will be the desert Suzanne and I shared at the Upland Brewing Restaurant: BACON ICE CREAM.  I had never heard of it but Suzanne assured me it was for real.  Suzanne has always loved bacon and seeing it on the menu I knew she would order it.   I asked for two spoons so I could simply taste it.   After I tasted it, I wished that I had ordered my own dish.  Suzanne waxed eloquently about the combination of sweet cream and salty bacon.  I just kept eating.  Transformative it wasn’t, but still a delight.  And I remain thankful for the delight of seeing my daughter and enjoying bacon ice cream.

You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

What has provided you delight or joy in recent days?  How have you celebrated that joy?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the joy that joy bring to life for you are the source of all real joy.