Last week I was startled in the most wonderful way. I was giving Hannah her standard morning “kiss attack” and the strangest noise erupted beside my ear. It stopped me mid-smooch. Realizing what it might have been, I tentatively renewed my attack. And again! Hannah was laughing.

When Hannah smiled for the first time I knew we were in trouble. At three and a half months she demands no more than cuddles and a dry diaper; but, when more varied requests start coming, I don’t know how we’ll say “no” to that grin.

Since that laugh a week ago we have been doing all we can to hear it again. We have kissed and tweaked every accessible fat roll, engaged in a series of facial contortions that would bring a mime envy, and, by this point, have spent several man hours making nonsensical noises at every volume and tone. My mom—I think just by being Hannah’s Yaya—has brought forth one episode of spontaneous laughter. This, of course, has only caused us to renew our efforts.

Recently, mid-coo, I realized that this is how I should be worshipping God. I was convicted. How many hours a day do I spend trying to elicit a baby-smile? Do I intentionally seek to bring God joy in the same way? We are created to bring Him glory. When I have a spare moment, or even when I’m already talking to God, do I stop to offer Him the praise and gratitude that I know makes Him smile?

When Hannah smiles it melts my heart. I feel joy when I know that I have pleased my Father. Though Jesus tells us that as His followers there will be hardship as we bear His cross, we also have the assurance of knowing that we have been adopted as co-heirs and that God delights in His children.

I have challenged myself—and I challenge you—each day to intentionally delight the Lord in a way that you’re not already doing. For me, so far, this has been thankful prayer, writing an encouraging note to a co-worker that I’ve been meaning to appreciate, and singing hymns with Hannah at the piano (the Lord delights even in my off-key worship!).

May we hear some Lord laughter.

I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:24