The Joy of Delight

by Hulda Bennett on October 19, 2026

When my grandson entered my world rather unexpectedly four years ago, I had no idea just how much his life would inspire me and change me.

One of the lessons I’m re-learning in watching him grow up is that the small, ordinary moments of our lives may often be the most meaningful and beautiful ones we will cherish years later.

This has been true in my own life. For example, one of the happiest memories I have of my childhood is twirling and skipping freely on the foot hills of the Andes Mountains next to Lake Titicaca and seeing the absolute joy and delight of my Abuelita’s face as she watched me. To this day, it brings tears of joy when I think of my grandma looking at me with her soft, black eyes and tender smile. I knew then, and I know now, that she loved me.

When I’m faced with hard and trying times, I often recall the memory of her sweet face smiling at me. And I’m comforted and encouraged to keep going.

So as a Mimi to my grandson, it’s been my joy to delight in him and to linger in those ordinary, often messy but precious moments.

Of course, I wish I had known this more when my own children were little. I would have been more intentional to notice and take time to delight in them. The good news is it’s not too late. In recent years, I’ve been learning to treasure, appreciate and be fully present to these moments with them.

The gift of being present and seeing our loved ones as God sees them may be one of the greatest gifts we can leave behind.

And when I imagine how God sees the children in my life, I can’t help but smile because I know that He absolutely delights in them.

Wherever life finds you today, my friend, may I encourage you to slow down? Take a deep breath, pause and lean into those messy but beautiful moments of joy. For me, this week, it’s been watching my grandson proclaim with lively gestures his new favorite word, “stupendous!”

He looks at me as I’m washing the dishes. And I pause, meet his eyes and smile.

Follow Hulda at https://cominghometojoy.substack.com/