Finding out the favorite things

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things"

The words of My Favorite Things sung by Julie Andrews from the famous musical The Sound of Music still makes me smile. I remember my dad often singing this song while pushing me on a swing when I was a child. The other day when I was driving with my youngest child Rebecca, I asked her what her favorite things were. Sure, as her dad I thought I knew her favorite things, but I wanted to hear from her own mouth what pleased her.

Rebecca responded with her list of 'sunsets and strawberries, lip gloss and Lindor chocolate, ballet point shoes and beaches.' These were a few of her favorite things.

As a dad who loves his daughter, I listened intently. Sure because I know Rebecca these things didn't surprise me, however I also know that in a loving relationship it's important for me to not just be aware of the list; but to take the opportunity to act on it whenever I can. As her dad I do take delight in her pleasure.

This made me think of my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He pointed me to Ephesians 5:10 which tells us to "Carefully determine what pleases the Lord" (NLT). I personally find this phrase intriguing. If you were to ask me what pleases God, I have a list that comes to mind. We are instructed however to 'carefully determine' what pleases Him. That means there could be more than meets-the-eye on His wish list. Like my conversation with Rebecca, perhaps there are things on God's list that you or I have forgotten, not known, and as a result have not acted upon.

Have you ever considered what pleases God? Further, what is your response to knowing what pleases Him? Love certainly would compel one to act on the knowledge of knowing what pleases another.

Speaking of pleasing another, I have come to learn what's on my wife's list of favorite things. (Candles and coffee are at the top). Because of my intimate knowledge of her favorite things, I can respond accordingly; knowing it will put a smile on her face. What's become more interesting to me is that over the years of our marriage, our list of favorite things have become more aligned. We have started to like the same foods, tv shows, and extra-curricular activities. Similarly, when pleasing God becomes your pleasure you're in a great place relationally. But when His favorite things become your favorite things, it's altogether more wonderful.

When you consider the list of that which pleases God there are general things that will surface. Things like operating in love and obedience (John 14:15) and walking by faith (Hebrews 11:6) are very important to Him. However, like the story of Mary who poured out her precious box of alabaster oil on Jesus' feet, there are pleasing things that each individual person can uniquely offer Him. Yes, there are precious things that only you can offer Him too. These are His favorite things, the things that come from your heart.

Like my chat with my daughter Rebecca, 'favorite things' are found out in the intimate alone moments with just the two of you talking. Will you get alone with Him and ask Him about His list of favorite things? Then will you act on that list? I believe you will!

I'd love to hear how this thought is relevant for you today; or how these thoughts after being put into action have helped you navigate your journey with others and with Jesus!